The Ministry of Home Affairs requested people to maintain peace and asked them to not believe in rumours. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday directed all the security forces in Manipur to take necessary measures to restore order and peace in the state as the situation in the past few days remained “fragile”.
Fresh tensions in the state arose after 11 suspected militants were killed in an encounter in Jiribam on Monday. The district administration had also imposed a curfew in the region as the Kuki-Zo organisations called for a complete shutdown in the hill areas to protest the encounter.
These suspected militants had allegedly attacked a police station and an adjoining CRPF camp with complex weapons. A day later, six civilians, including women and children were reportedly kidnapped by armed militant from the same district of Jiribam.
“The security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days. Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order,” the ministry said on Saturday.
MHA said strict action would be taken against any person who tries to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. For the purpose of effective investigation, the ministry has handed over important cases to the NIA.
“The security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities,” it said.
The Home Ministry also requested the people to maintain peace, asking them to not believe in rumours and cooperate with the security forces in maintaining law and order in the state.
In view of the tense situation in the state, the Centre on Thursday had reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur’s six police station areas, including the violence-hit Jiribam district.
The fresh order came after the Manipur government’s October 1 order, which imposed AFSPA in the entire state, excluding 19 police station areas that include these six.
Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam were among the police stations that were excluded from the state government’s order.
