The Indian Army on Friday said the situation in violence-hit Manipur has been brought under control through coordinated actions by all stakeholders. As clashes broke out across Manipur, the Northeast Frontier Railway has stopped all trains to the northeastern state. Earlier, the Manipur governor on Thursday, issued shoot-at-sight orders as it struggled to quell ethnic violence that saw mobs torch houses, shops and religious places, and even attack a sitting lawmaker in Imphal.
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The Indian Army said the Indian Air Force undertook continuous sorties from two airfields in Assam employing C17 Globemaster and AN 32 aircraft. “Induction commenced on the night of 4th May and additional columns commenced domination with effect from wee hours of May 5,” the army said. Domination and evacuation of civilians of all communities from affected areas continued throughout the night. Flag march in Churachandpur and other sensitive areas underway, the army said.
Following the law and order situation, the Northeast Frontier Railway has stopped all Manipur-bound trains. “No trains are entering Manipur till the situation is improved. The decision has been taken after the Manipur government advised to stop train movement, said Sabyasachi De, CPRO of NF Railway, told to news agency ANI. Four trains have been cancelled. Initially, this decision has been taken only for May 5 and 6, the Indian Railways.
The army urged the citizens to rely only on content from official and verified sources. This comes after the Indian Army cautioned about several fake videos on the security situation in Manipur were being circulated.
Internet services have been suspended in the state amid tension.Violence broke out on May 3 during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand by Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
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