Curfew Relaxed in Imphal West, East and Thoubal Districts Amid Ongoing Manipur Violence

Manipur : As no fresh incident of violence reported in the Manipur , authorities have relaxed the curfew in three districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal, from 10 am in the morning to 5 pm in the evening on Friday. District magistrates from these areas issued separate orders allowing citizens to move freely during this seven-hour window.

The curfew had been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to restrict public movement amid the ongoing violence in the region. These prohibitory orders were issued last week as tensions escalated.

Internet Restored in These Five Districts

Mobile internet services have also been restored in five districts that includes Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching, after a five-day internet suspension imposed on September 10. 

After tension escalated between security forces and students last week, Curfew was imposed in the state's capital Imphal on Tuesday afternoon and wadditional security forces were deployed and frequent patrolling by policemen was done in the town to avoid any incident. 

Violence erupted in Imphal last week as students clashed with security forces during a protest, despite a curfew being imposed in several districts. The unrest followed the passing of a 1pm deadline set by students, who were demanding the removal of key state officials, including the Security Advisor, the Director General of Police, and the Assam Rifles.

Tensions heightened as students began marching towards Raj Bhawan after the deadline expired. Security forces intercepted the protestors and urged them to send representatives for a dialogue. However, most students insisted on a direct meeting with the Governor, leading to an escalation of the situation.

To control the crowd, security personnel fired tear gas, injuring several students. The injured were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.