Manipur crisis: Curfew imposed in 5 districts as displaced people decides to return

Imphal: Manipur government imposed curfews in five districts of Manipur on Wednesday as displaced people announced their decision to return to their houses.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called upon the displaced people to return to their houses.

Over 60000 people were displaced after the crisis started on May 3 at Churachandpur district.

All the houses owned by a particular ethnic group at Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi had been completely destroyed by people from another group.

Some residents living on the periphery of the hilly areas expressed their desire to return to their houses as the situation has improved, but they were not allowed to go back.

COCOMI leaders said they would enter the houses even if the army and other security personnel stopped them.

Information Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan appealed to COCOMI to withdraw the plan. Many barricades were removed, and about 700 displaced people from the Torbung area have resettled in their original houses.

Apprehending a major uprising to demand resettlement, a curfew was imposed for the whole day in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts. In the remaining 11 other districts, curfews will be relaxed during the day. (UNI)