Imphal, May 05: In response to the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has announced the suspension of all trains bound for the state until the situation improves. Several trains have already been partially cancelled or terminated as a result of the unrest.
The decision to halt all Manipur-bound trains was made by the Northeast Frontier Railway in the interest of passenger safety. The railway authorities have urged passengers to take note of the cancellations and terminations before embarking on any journeys.
The suspension of train services comes in the wake of escalating ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur, causing widespread damage to property and displacement of thousands of residents. The unrest began after tribal Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed change to the state’s reservation matrix, which would grant scheduled tribe status to the majority Meitei community.
In an effort to contain the situation, Governor Anusuiya Uikey issued strict orders to tackle the worsening security situation. These orders directed district magistrates, subdivisional magistrates, executive magistrates, and special executive magistrates to “issue shoot-at-sight orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted under provisions of law…and the situation could not be controlled”.
Also Read: Indian Army Warns of fake videos on Manipur Violence
The Indian Army has also been deployed to restore peace in the violence-hit towns, with additional troops being brought in from Nagaland. The Army has warned citizens about the circulation of fake videos related to the security situation in Manipur, including a video of an attack on an Assam Rifles post, being spread by “inimical elements for vested interests”.
In addition to the Army’s efforts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been undertaking flying operations to induct additional Indian Army columns starting from Assam to Manipur to aid in the restoration of normalcy.
The Army has informed the public that the situation in Moreh and Kangpokpi has been brought under control, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy in Imphal and Churachandpur.
The suspension of train services to Manipur is a significant measure taken by the Northeast Frontier Railway to ensure the safety of its passengers in the midst of the ongoing violence. The railway authorities will be closely monitoring the situation and will resume train services as soon as it is safe to do so.
