Manipur government declares entire state as ‘disturbed area’ amid violence

Manipur,Sept 27 :  The Manipur government on Wednesday declared the entire state a “disturbed area” in light of the prevailing law and order situation.

As per the state government’s notification, the entire state, except for 19 specific police station areas, was declared a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The government is of the opinion that the “violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups warrant the use of the Armed Forces in aid of civil administration in the entire state of Manipur,” the notification said.

If further stated that in view of the “overall law and order situation in the state and the capability of the state machinery, the state government has decided to maintain the status quo on the present disturbed area status” …for a period of six months.

The 19 excluded police stations areas are under Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam.

The state capital Imphal on Tuesday saw massive protest rallies by student groups against the kidnapping and killing of two students. The fresh round of protests started on Tuesday after visuals of the students’ bodies emerged online. The protesters also clashed with the Rapid Action Force (RAF), leaving at least 45 protesters injured.

The students Phijam Hemjit (20) and Hijam Linthoingambi (17) had been missing since July. One of the two photos that emerged now purportedly showed the students with two armed men and the other was of two bodies.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that he “assure the people of the state that both the state and central government are closely working together to nab the perpetrators.” The case of killing of the two youths has been handed over to the CBI.

Large contingents of Manipur Police, CRPF and RAF personnel have deployed throughout Imphal and other parts of the state in anticipation of possible violence.

Also, the government on Tuesday reimposed the ban on internet services for the next five days in the wake of the new protests.

-PTI