Imphal: The Centre government in the wake of unprecedented widespread violence in Manipur has promulgated Article 355 in Manipur to take charge of security matters with immediate effect.
In this regard the government appointed Ashutosh Sinha, ADGP (Intelligence), as the overall Operational Commander to control the situation in the highly volatile Manipur State.
Impact TV reported at least 12 deaths (accounted) in the aftermath of the violence in the valley. The bodies of the 12 are kept at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal (RIMS) morgue, it reported. However, the casualty from the worsening situation in other parts of Manipur suggest much higher death toll.
The Governor of Manipur, under the prevailing law and order situation authorized “Shoot at Sight” orders on Thursday evening in Manipur. The “Governor of Manipur is pleased to authorize all Dist Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates etc. to “Shoot at Sight” orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force etc, had been exhausted under the provisions of law under CrPC, 1973 and the situation could not be controlled” the order read.
Must read | NPMHR appeals for immediate cessation of violence in Manipur
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in light of the tragic events unfolding in Manipur has appealed for immediate cessation of violence. The Naga rights watchdog called upon all community leaders and the elected legislators to immediately take action to de-escalate the volatile situation and resume dialogue and negotiations with the stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Naga Legislators of Manipur Legislative Assembly held a press conference at Chief Minister’s Durbar Hall today where the legislators appealed to those concerned to immediately stop further violence in the state. They promised to extend all possible assistance in bringing back normalcy in the state.
Also read | Naga Legislators in Manipur appeal to end violence, calls for public cooperation
According to reliable source, the central government has already deployed 5 companies of Rapid Action Force in Imphal. Steps have been taken to take out Flag Marches by the RAF. Further, 15 more RAF companies are set to arrive in Imphal airport at the earliest.
It may be mentioned that the State government after shutting down on Wednesday Telecom services (Mobile data/internet), have today suspended broadband services operational in the entire jurisdiction of Manipur with immediate effect for five days. The State government also clamped curfew under Section 144 CrPC in various districts of Manipur after violence broke out on Thursday.
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