There has been unrest in Manipur for the last several months. Incidents of violence and terrorism by militants are taking place in different districts. The Union Home Ministry on Saturday said that all security forces deployed in Manipur have been instructed to take necessary steps to restore peace in the state. The security scenario has remained 'fragile' for the last few days.
Militants attacked the police station
Another round of violence broke out in Manipur on Monday when 11 suspected militants attacked a police station and a nearby CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) camp in Manipur's Jiribam district with sophisticated weapons. However, they were killed in the encounter. A day later, armed militants abducted six civilians, including women and children, from the same district.
The situation remains delicate
The Home Ministry said in a statement on Saturday, 'The security scenario in Manipur has remained delicate for the last few days. In the conflict, armed miscreants from both the communities have indulged in violence, resulting in loss of lives and disruption of public order.
Investigation handed over to NIA
According to the statement, 'Strict action will be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. Important cases have been handed over to NIA for effective investigation.
Instructions to security forces to take necessary steps
AFSPA re-implemented
In view of the critical situation, the Center on Thursday re-imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station areas of the state, including violence-hit Jiribam. This new order was issued after the Manipur government implemented AFSPA in the entire state except 19 police station areas including these six police stations on October 1.
AFSPA implemented in these police station areas
The police station areas where AFSPA has been re-imposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leemakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur. The police stations that remained out of the Manipur government's October 1 order imposing AFSPA include Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leemakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching and Jiribam were included.
More than 200 killed so far
Since May last year, more than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between the Meitei in the Imphal valley and the Kuki-Jo groups based in the adjacent hills.
Image Credit: India-Tv.