Manipur violence: Over 23,000 people rescued by security forces till now

Indian Army and Assam Rifles which were called in to curb violence in Manipur have successfully rescued nearly 23,000 civilians so far and moved them to the operating bases, a defence spokesperson said on Sunday.

"A total of 23000 civilians have been rescued from the violence-hit state of Manipur so far. The situation in Manipur is tense but being kept under control by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, who are working together to restore peace. Aerial surveillance was conducted in various areas on Saturday to keep a close eye on the situation," news agency ANI reported.

Photo Credit: Charred remains of a vehicle that was set ablaze after violence broke out during the Tribal Solidarity March

Curfew relaxed for 3 hours in Churachandpur

The total curfew imposed in Manipur's Churachandpur district, which restricted the movement of people was relaxed for three hours on Sunday from 7 am to 10 am to allow the people to buy essential items such as medicines and food.

"With the law and order situation improving in Churachandpur district and after talks were held between the state government and various stakeholders, I'm pleased to share that the curfew will be partially relaxed as per the details shared below," Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted on Saturday night, sharing a copy of the notification.

The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced thousands of people and killed at least 54.

The notification issued by Churachandpur district magistrate Sharath Chandra Arroju said, "Subsequent relaxations shall be reviewed and notified based on assessment of the prevailing law and order situation."

The clashes broke out after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute another 40 percent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.

Manipur violence: Death toll crosses 50

The death toll in the violence-hit Manipur increased to 54. Of the 54 dead, 16 bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital while 15 bodies were in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

Chief Minister Biren Singh holds all-party meet

Manipur CM N Biren Singh chaired an all-party meeting on Saturday to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state. The situation is tense but being kept under control by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces, who are working together to restore peace in the violence-hit areas.

"Held an all-political party meeting to discuss the current situation in Manipur and to collectively work towards bringing peace and stability to the state. During the meeting, it was resolved to appeal for peace in the state, and encourage all citizens to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence or instability," Singh was quoted by PTI as saying.