As violence rages on in Manipur, Shah dials Singh, takes stock of situation

As violence escalates in Manipur, the Army and personnel of the Assam Riffles have been deployed in many areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialled Chief Minister Biren Singh. While taking stock of the situation, he has assured of all help to restore law and order. If the need be more forces would be deployed to bring the situation under control, Shah told Singh according to sources.

Violence broke out during a Tribal Solidarity March called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur in the Torbung area of Churachandpur. The Army conduced area domination exercises on Wednesday night to restore law and order in the violence torn state.

As many as 4,000 villagers have been rescued by the Army and given shelter in the contingency operating base and also at various premises of the state government. Army personnel are also conducting flag marches to bring the situation under control.

"So far, 4,000 people were rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and given shelter and more people are being shifted to safer places," a PTI report said while quoting an official.

Curfew has been imposed in the non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur districts and tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts.

Boxing champion Mary Kom took to Twitter and wrote, "my state is burning kindly help." She also tagged the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister in her tweet.

Violence broke out during the 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by ATSUM to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who are dominant in the Imphal Valley.

Thousands of protesters took part in the rally, during which the violence broke out between the tribals and non-tribals.

The ATSUM said that the rally was carried out to express dissent of the persistent demands of the Meitei community for its inclusion in the ST category.

During the protests, many people were seen burning tires and other objects on the isolated streets of Torbung Village in Tuibong Tehsil area in Churachandpur district.

The police had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to bring the situation under control.