In Response To The Ongoing Violence, Manipur Govt Has Declared The Entire State As 'Disturbed Area'

With the exception of 19 specific police station areas, the entirety of the state has been categorised as a 'disturbed area.' The office of the district magistrate issued a notice declaring a full curfew from 4 pm on August 27, 2023, in all areas of Imphal West district.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 27 September 2023 9:55 am

Visual of widespread violence in ethnic clashes-hit Manipur

On Wednesday, the Manipur government made an announcement, designating the entire state as a 'disturbed area' due to the current law and order situation.

According to the details provided, with the exception of 19 specific police station areas, the entirety of the state has been categorized as a 'disturbed area.'

The state government's notification states that the authorities believe that the "violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups necessitate the deployment of Armed Forces to assist civil administration throughout the state of Manipur."

Earlier, on September 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in certain regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for an additional six months.

The areas designated as "disturbed areas" encompass several regions, including the state capital Imphal, as well as Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Lamlai, Irilbung, Leimakhong, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, Moirang, Kakching, and Jiribam.

The notification further states that in view of the "overall law and order situation in the state and the capability of the state machinery, the state government has decided to maintain the status quo on the present disturbed area status" ...for a period of six months, as per a report by India Today.

Fresh curfew imposed in Imphal

The office of the district magistrate issued a notice declaring a full curfew from 4 pm on August 27, 2023, in all areas of Imphal West district. The notice further said, "However, movement of persons belonging to essential services such as Health, Electricity. PHED, Petrol Pumps, Municipality. Press and Electronic media, functioning of Courts and to and fro movement of flight passengers to airport shall be exempted from the imposition of curfew."

The House of a political leader attacked

The Manipur Police notified through a post on X that an unruly crowd tried to attack the house of a political leader and the security forces had to fire tear gas shells in order to disperse the crowd. The post further said, "The unruly crowd targeted a police gypsy and burnt it, while assaulting a policeman and snatched his weapon. Manipur Police condemns such action and will take stern steps to deal with such miscreants. Combing operations are being carried out for recovery of arms and catching miscreants."