Situation returning to normal
Imphal: Curfew remained in force in the violence-torn Nungei locality in Thoubal district on Monday but the situation showed signs of returning to normal since the June 27 clashes between two groups of neighbouring villages.
The tense situation which gripped the area following the June 27 violent clashes between residents of two neighbouring villages in Nungei also subsided but curfew will be there as a precautionary meassure, a senior police officer said. Personnel of Manipur police commandos and CRPF continued round the clock vigil.
Meanwhile, displaced villagers of Nungei Meetei hamlet, numbering around 400, told local media they will not return to their homes unless the government provided enough security. The displaced persons have taken shelter at Lillong Chajing in Thoubal district and Iram Siphai in Imphal West district ever since the June 27 incident, according to JAC Convenor Khaidem Sanjay.
A teenager was killed in gunfire and at least 12 persons were injured in the June 27 incident which was marked by stones pelting, reports said. To control the situation, state police and personnel of 2nd Indian Reserve Battalion deployed at the area had to resort to blank firing, police had earlier maintained.
Security forces also lobbed tear gas shells and hurled smoke bombs to disperse the mob on June 27. Tension had brewing in the two neighbouring villages since a firing incident on April 11 in which 9 women (Meira Paibis) received gunshot injuries after being fired upon by unidentified miscreants, the officer said.
The state government is taking up relief work for the displaced villagers by conducting medical camps under the supervision of Thoubal Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. N Jayantakumar. Several local bodies are also extending assistance to the refugees. (PTI)