Imphal calm, indefinite curfew still on

Imphal, Feb 20 (ANI): The situation in Manipur remained calm on Friday and an indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal following violence by the locals protesting against the murder of three state government employees in Ukhrul district by some unknown miscreants.

The killings have sparked widespread resentment amongst the locals who blame the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isaac-Muivah - NSCN (IM) -- cadres for the murders.

The locals had taken to streets on Thursday, burning effigies, tyres and other objects and chanting slogans against the NSCN (IM) chief Isaac Muivah.

The police had to resort to using tear gas to disperse the irate mob after three women were reportedly injured during the protests.

Though the curfew is indefinite, the authorities might withdraw it if the situation turns normal.

"We don't like to impose it for a long period, but at the moment we have to watch the situation very carefully," said A. Ibocha Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh assured the people that perpetrators of such heinous crime would be booked and punished.

Appealing people to maintain peace and calm, Ibobi said, one Inspector General of Police has been deputed for connecting operation in various suspected areas to nab the culprits.

In a statement, NSCN (IM) denied any links to the murder of the three government employees. (ANI)