Guwahati, 4 May: After clashes in Churachandpur district on May 3, communal tension spread to several locations in the valley district where it has remained tense ever since.
Despite the state government’s implementation of a curfew and the deployment of substantial security forces authorities failed to maintain law and order.
According to reports, some antisocial individuals attempted to pelt stones at security personnel. However, authorities turned to tear gas and opened fire at point blank range to disperse the crowd.
A day after the ATSUM’s solidarity march rejecting Meitei’s demand for inclusion on the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list there is a complete breakdown of law and order in Manipur.
The Manipur government on May 3 implemented Section 144 CrPc in eight districts of the state due to the current state of law and order, according to an official announcement.
Bishnupur, Pherzawl, Jiribam, West Imphal, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Kakching and Kangpokpi are the districts where Section 144 CrPc is in effect.
”It appears to the undersigned that there is a likelihood of causing a serious breach of peace, disturbances to public tranquillity, and grave danger to human lives and properties in the area which is described in the schedule given below on account of unlawful activities of some anti-social elements,” the order by Laourembam Bikram, District Magistrate, Bishnupur read.
The injunction prohibited gatherings of five or more people since doing so could be considered an illegal activity in the region.
As a further immediate preventive action, it should be illegal to carry any sticks, stones, firearms, weapons of any kind or other objects that can be used as offensive weapons.