Manipur Unrest: Ex-MLA under 3 detained for new round of violence, says CM N Biren Singh
Imphal, the capital of Manipur, witnessed another round of violence and arson on May 22, when a group of people set fire to a few houses. Earlier on Sunday evening, three people were injured when miscreants shot at them in the Imphal West neighborhood.
Commenting on the developments, Chief Minister of State N Biren Singh said on Monday that action has been taken against those involved. He said three people, including a former MLA, have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in violence.
According to details, the former legislator has been identified as T Thangzalam Haoki of Heglep constituency of Churachandpur district, reported Hindu times.
“On Sunday night, three persons sustained minor injuries in an incident in Imphal West district. The police have arrested the perpetrators involved in the double-barrelled guns used,” Singh said.
READ ALSO: Violent News in Manipur: Abandoned Houses Set on Fire as Ethnic Clashes Resurface in Imphal | Watch
“On Monday, another minor incident occurred in the New Lambulane part of Imphal city. It is very unfortunate that an ex-MLA was involved in the plot. Two armed personnel with single-barreled rifles threatened vendors and asked them to leave the area. Both persons were arrested along with the ex-MLA,” he added.
The CM said the situation in Manipur has remained generally peaceful for the past 10 days. He appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and help restore peace and normalcy quickly.
Monday’s incident occurred around 2 p.m. in the New Checkon market area of New Lambulane in the Imphal East district, when some homes belonging to those who had fled the violence that erupted earlier this month were set on fire, officials said.
It was preceded by a clash at the main market in New Checkon, which is home to a mix of Kuki, Meitei and other ethnic groups.
During the easing of the curfew on Monday morning, a group of gun-toting people led by former MLA community members allegedly asked merchants to close their shops.
After the violence, the relaxation of the curfew in the capital has been shortened by two hours. Earlier, the curfew was relaxed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The easing has now been shortened and ends at 2 p.m.
“Sporadic incidents of violence have occurred in some places in recent days, but there has been no major flare-up or loss of life recently. If and when such incidents occur, the army and paramilitary forces already deployed in the state will reach these spots and bring things under control,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mahender Rawat, PRO (Defense), Guwahati.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Manipur government extended restrictions on internet services, which began on May 3, for another five days until 3 p.m. on May 26. “Stop the spread of disinformation and false rumors,” the report said.