Manipur Violence: ‘Shoot-at-sight’ Orders Issued in ‘Extreme Cases’; Amit Shah Dials CMs of 3 NE States
Amid the violence, the Manipur government on Thursday issued shoot at sight order in “extreme cases” as clashes continue to take place between tribals and the majority Meitei community which has displaced over 9,000 people from their villages.
The order, issued on behalf of the Governor said ‘shoot at sight’ could be resorted to when persuasion, warning and reasonable force “have been exhausted and the situation could not be controlled”.
The notification signed by the Commissioner (Home) of the state government was issued under provisions of the criminal procedure code 1973.
To review the situation on ground, Home Minister Amit Shah held two meetings with top functionaries of Manipur and central governments through video conference today and also dialed three chief ministers.
Shah had a telephonic conversation with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who briefed him in the morning about the prevailing scene in the state and steps being taken to restore normalcy.
He also spoke with chief ministers Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland), Zoramthanga (Mizoram) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam).
Meanwhile, the Army has been summoned to control major violence that ripped through Manipur’s capital Imphal, where multiple vehicles and several places of worship were torched. The most affected areas are Churachandpur and Imphal.
In a desperate plea for assistance, Mary Kom Tweeted: “My state Manipur is burning, kindly help”, requesting immediate action from PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah in the matter.
While speaking to CNN-News18, Mary Kom explained how bad the situation is in Manipur. She said: “From the bottom of my heart, I appeal to Centre and state governments for ensuring safety of everyone. The situation in Manipur is very bad and anything can happen.” The boxer added that everyone is suffering in the state.
Army Moves Over 10,000 People to Safety
Army was requisitioned on May 3 night and it is likely to be in force till May 4 until further orders of extension. The Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to control the situation in Manipur where violence broke out during a tribal agitation, a defence spokesperson said on Thursday. So far, over 10,000 people have been rescued by the forces from the violence-hit areas, and given shelter, he said, adding that more people are being shifted to safer places.
The Army and Assam Rifles were requisitioned last night, and along with the state police, the forces arrested the violence by the morning, the spokesperson said. “Flag marches are being conducted to keep the situation under control,” he said.
Manipur CM Issues Statement on Violence & Lives Lost
In a statement on Thursday, Manipur CM Biren Singh said that “precious lives have been lost” and this “incident is a result of misunderstanding between two sections of society”.
