Fresh Violence In Manipur: Former MLA Arrested, Curfew Reimposed

Imphal: Fresh violence triggered panic and tension in Manipur after a mob set on fire abandoned houses in New Lambulane area here on Monday.

Security personnel managed to douse the flames, but there were reports of arson from other areas of Imphal and other towns today.

On Sunday night, there was violence in Imphal West district, where three persons were injured when miscreants shot at them.

Curfew was reimposed from 6 am to 2 pm across the state as Army and Paramilitary forces were brought in to control the situation.

Curfew had earlier been relaxed from 6 am to 4 pm.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh informed that a former MLA — T Thangzalam Haokip – and two others were taken into custody on Monday for alleged involvement in the violence.

The ban on Internet services has been extended for another five days.

“There is apprehension that anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the state of Manipur,” an official order said.

“This order is being issued to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of the State of Manipur and shall be in force for another five days with immediate effect from the time this suspension order becomes operational till 3 pm of 26-05-2023,” it added.