On Thursday, there was an incident in Manipur's Imphal Valley where a clash occurred between protesters and security forces, resulting in injuries to at least 15 individuals. The protesters were attempting to enter police stations and voluntarily surrender themselves in order to request the unconditional release of five individuals who were apprehended on Saturday. These individuals were arrested for impersonating police officers and carrying firearms.
As a precautionary measure, the state government has decided to implement a complete curfew in both Imphal East and Imphal West districts. The previously scheduled curfew relaxation hours, which were from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, have been revoked at 5 p.m., and movement restrictions have been imposed throughout the two neighbouring valley districts.
In light of a call made by six local clubs and women activists known as Meira Paibis, the protesters peacefully displayed placards, chanted slogans, and sought access to Andro and Porompat police stations in Imphal East, along with Singjamei, Kwakeithel, and Mayang Imphal police outposts in Imphal West district. Their objective was to request the release of the five arrested individuals, emphasizing that they were village defence volunteers.
In response, the police and RAF personnel utilized tear gas shells to disperse the crowds, and as of now, the five men remain under police custody. As per the police, one of them is allegedly affiliated with a banned militant group in the state, while another individual is described as a drug addict who manages a rehabilitation centre.
Earlier, the Imphal Valley experienced a temporary halt in daily activities due to a 48-hour shutdown organized by Meira Paibis and local clubs, with the aim of securing the release of the detained individuals. The shutdown came to an end on Wednesday, and the organizations kindly requested people to assemble at their nearest police station on Thursday.
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Security forces carried out search operations in different districts, resulting in the discovery of arms and ammunition, including mortar shells. During a search in Kangpokpi district, a collaborative team of Assam Rifles and state police found four hidden mortar bombs concealed within shrubbery.
According to a tweet by the police, search operations were carried out in the outskirts and vulnerable areas of Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts. As a result, authorities were able to recover one firearm, two local pumpi guns, 50 rounds of ammunition, and eight explosives from the districts of Imphal West and Kangpokpi.
In order to ensure orderliness, the police have set up a total of 127 checkpoints in both the valley and hill districts and apprehended 873 individuals on Wednesday for breaching regulations. In sensitive areas, rigorous security measures have been put in place, and security convoys are diligently ensuring the safe passage of vehicles.
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