Manipur curfew relaxed for twelve hours

Imphal, Feb 26 (ANI): Indefinite curfew, which was clamped recently in Imphal following protests over the abduction and killing of Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kasom Khullen, a sub-division of Ukhrul district, was relaxed for twelve hours from 6:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.

According to sources, the curfew would be lifted in the next few days if no violence is reported.

Educational institutions, government offices and banks are functioning normally during relaxation of the curfew.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Cabinet decided to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Though primarily the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN) (IM) is suspected to be behind the incident, the outfit, however, has denied having anything to do with the killings or abduction.

The incident has been condemned by organizations like the United Committee Manipur, which has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

Additional security forces have been deployed in Nagamapal kangjabi Leirak, Uripok Khoisnam Leikai and Yumnam Leikai, the region where the deceased came from.

Six people were kidnapped, including Thingnam Kishan, the SDO, his driver A, Rajen, and one other person of his staff. Their bodies were located after three days at Taphou in Senapati district. The remaining three other persons-a peon of the SDO office and two other workers-are yet to be traced. (ANI)