Manipur Unrest: MHA Directs Security Forces to Take Steps for Restoring Peace and Order

New Delhi: All security forces deployed in Manipur have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace in state as security scenario remained "fragile" in past few days, Union Home Ministry said Saturday.

A fresh cycle of violence erupted in Manipur last Monday after 11 suspected militants, who allegedly attacked a police station and joining CRPF camp with sophisticated weapons in Manipur's Jiribam district, were killed in an exchange of fire.

A day later, six civilians, including women and children were abducted by armed militants from same district.

" security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for past few days. Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence leing to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order," ministry said on Saturday.

Home Ministry said strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities. It said important cases have been handed over to NIA for effective investigation.

" security forces have been directed to take necessary steps to restore order and peace. Strict action would be initiated against anyone trying to indulge in violent and disruptive activities," it said.

Union Home Ministry requested people to maintain peace, not believe in rumours and cooperate with security forces to maintain law and order in state.

Seeing fragile situation, Centre reimposed Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas, including violence-hit Jiribam on Thursday.

fresh order came after Manipur government imposed AFSPA in entire state on October 1, barring 19 police station areas that include se six.

police stations excluded from Manipur government's October 1 order were Imphal, Lamphal, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, Jiribam.

An area or district is notified as "disturbed" under AFSPA to facilitate operations of armed forces. AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if y deem it necessary for "maintenance of public order".

police station areas where AFSPA has been reimposed are Sekmai and Lamsang in Imphal West district, Lamlai in Imphal East district, Jiribam in Jiribam district, Leimakhong in Kangpokpi and Moirang in Bishnupur.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and joining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.

ethnically diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by clashes in Imphal Valley and joining hills, witnessed violence after mutilated body of a farmer was found in a field in June this year. 

(Except for heline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.)