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By India Today News Desk: Nearly 60 people were killed, 231 injured and around 1,700 homes were burned down in Manipur in the violence on May 3, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said. The state has so far evacuated 20,000 people, while 10,000 remain stranded, he said.
“Around 60 innocent people have lost their lives, 231 people suffered injuries and around 1,700 houses burned down in the unfortunate incident of May 3. I appeal to people to bring peace and calm to the state. The transportation of stranded persons to their respective locations has started,” N Biren Singh said.
“Till now, 20,000 stranded persons have been evacuated. Around 10,000 people remain stranded. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been monitoring the situation from the day of the incident till today. He has sent many companies of central forces,” Singh said.
The unrest in Manipur erupted on May 3 after a protest march organised by the Kuki tribes sparked clashes with the non-tribal Meitei community. The march was called to oppose the recent Manipur High Court order, which asked the state government to send a recommendation to the Centre regarding the demand to include the majority and predominantly Hindu Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (STs) list.
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Over the next couple of days, mobs torched cars and buildings, vandalised shops and hotels, and destroyed churches across districts like Churachandpur, Imphal East and West, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, and Kangpokpi.
The police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to rein in the clashes. As the violence spiraled, the state suspended internet, clamped a curfew and issued shoot-at-sight orders.
The ruling BJP and its leaders came under sharp criticism from the opposition for campaigning on a war footing in Karnataka, where Assembly elections are scheduled to be held on May 10, even as Manipur burned.
On Sunday, the Army said it “significantly enhanced” its surveillance in violence-affected areas through aerial means such as drones and the deployment of military helicopters. Personnel of the Army and Assam Rifles held flag marches after the curfew on Sunday was briefly eased to allow people to buy essentials.
Also Read | Rush to flee violence-hit Manipur drives Rs 2500 air ticket to Rs 25000
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