Guwahati: Curfew relaxation in two districts of Manipur capital Imphal were withdrawn on Wednesday following attempts by a mob to get firearms from a police complex, a day after a state police officer was killed by a sniper’s bullet at Moreh.
Curfew relaxation from 5 AM to 10PM in both Imphal West and Imphal East districts were withdrawn after the mob surrounded the 1st battalion complex of Manipur Rifles located in Imphal West on Wednesday demanding arms. Security forces fired several rounds in the air to disperse the mob.
In another incident, three police personnel suffered bullet injuries when militants ambushed a convoy of the state force at Sinam in Tengnoupal district on Tuesday afternoon. The convoy was sent to Moreh as reinforcement to assist in conducting operations.
“A combined team of security forces have already started joint combing operations (at Moreh) to nab the culprits involved in the cowardly act,” Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said on Wednesday in Imphal while paying tributes to the slain officer.
Following the death of the police officer and injuries to three constables, the state government rushed additional forces to Moreh in Tengnoupal district, which is mainly Kuki-dominated.
The state has been gripped by recurring bouts of violence since ethnic clashes first erupted in May. More than 180 people have been killed since then.
Meiteis account for 53 per cent of Manipur’s operation, mostly living in Imphal valley while tribals including Nagas and Kukis constitute 40 per cent and reside in hilly district. The clashes occurred over a number of grievances that both sides have against the other.