Imphal, May 07:Â Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been working tirelessly to rescue civilians and restore normalcy in Manipur, a northeastern state that has been grappling with ethnic clashes between Meiteis and tribal communities.
As the death toll continued to rise, the Army and Assam Rifles managed to rescue a total of 23,000 civilians from different parts of Manipur and moved them to their own operating bases and military garrisons.
While curfew timings were relaxed in Churachandpur for three hours from 7-10 AM, Army flag marches were conducted to ensure peace and stability in the region. Around 120-125 Army and Assam Rifles, columns have been working relentlessly for the past 96 hours to rescue civilians, curb violence, and restore normalcy, with no major violence being reported.
The past 24 hours saw the Army significantly enhance its surveillance efforts through aerial surveillance, movement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and redeployment of Army helicopters within Imphal Valley. These measures have helped the Army keep a close eye on the situation on the ground and respond swiftly to any disturbances.
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The clashes in Manipur were triggered by a proposal to include Meiteis in the scheduled tribe (ST) category, which led to tensions between the Meitei and tribal communities, particularly the Kukis residing in the hill districts.
As the violence continued to escalate, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor called for President’s rule in the state, citing the voters’ sense of betrayal after voting the Bharatiya Janata Party into power just a year ago.
The Army’s timely intervention has been critical in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control. With its extensive experience in managing conflict situations, the Army has been able to restore a semblance of normalcy to the region and provide much-needed relief to the affected civilians.
As the situation continues to be monitored closely, the Army and Assam Rifles remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people of Manipur. While the road to peace may be long and difficult, the Army’s efforts have shown that it is possible to overcome even the most challenging of situations with perseverance, determination, and a deep sense of commitment to the greater good.
