Normalcy is returning to day-to-day life in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur as the curfew was relaxed today in parts of the state where 54 people were killed in ethnic clashes over the last few days.
According to a defence statement, 23,000 civilians from all communities have been rescued so far and were moved to military garrisons.
The curfew was relaxed from 7:00am to 10:00am in riot-stricken Churachandpur town as no major violence has been reported since yesterday.
As security forces, aided with drones and helicopters deployed for aerial reconnaissance, kept vigil, people came out of their homes in large numbers to buy food, medicines and other essential commodities in the town.
Army and Assam Rifles columns conducted a flag march through Imphal town as soon as the curfew relaxation ended at 10:00am.
In all, some 120-125 army columns have been deployed in the entire riot-hit state.
After chairing an all-party meeting yesterday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said peace committees will be formed to ensure that peace initiatives are implemented at the grassroots level.
The street clashes between tribals and non-tribals broke out after a "Tribal Solidarity March" was organised in the 10 hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Non-tribal Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley while tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.
"Ray of hope due to efforts of 120-125 army and Assam Rifles columns who are working tirelessly for the past 96 hours to rescue civilians across all communities, curb violence and restore normalcy has emerged with no major violence being reported and curfew, therefore being relaxed from 7-10 am today in Churachandpur followed by flag march by security forces immediately thereafter," the defence statement said.
"The past 24 hours also witnessed army significantly enhancing surveillance efforts through aerial surveillance, movement of UAVs and redeployment of army helicopters within Imphal Valley. A total of 23,000 civilians have been rescued till now and moved to own military garrisons," it added.
The curfew in Churachandpur, where violence was first reported on May 3, was also relaxed for two hours from 3:00pm to 5:00pm yesterday.
Violence first erupted in Torbung area in Churachandpur district during the "Tribal Solidarity March" organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3 to protest the demand of Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
