Border area tense in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 29 (UNI) Government offices were closed down today and security beefed up in Jiribam sub-division here as tension mounted following attacks on government premises by people demanding conversion of the sub-division into a full-fledged revenue district.

Unknown miscreants attacked government offices and a private vehicle was burnt last night. The Congress offices and some other offices and government schools were burnt by the protestors.

Officials said government offices were burnt in the area. Though the sub-division is on Manipur-Asom border it is under the jurisdiction of Imphal East.

The Manipur Cabinet had already decided in principle to upgrade the sub-division into a full-fledged revenue district but the people were demanding announcement of a specific date.

The protestors were also demanding the resignation of local MLA Th Debendra, who is the Food and Civil Supplies Minister. Officials said the Delimitation Commission of India, had also approved the conversion of Jiribam sub-division into a revenue district.

The government was, however, non committal on the formal declaration as there were also similar demands like Sadar Hills at Senapati district.

The All Manipur Students' Union, Jiribam branch and other organisations have also closed down the offices and educational institutions and blocked National Highway 53 as part of the stir.

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