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By Dipaneeta Das: The Bengal government has started a helpline for those stranded in violence-hit Manipur. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday directed the chief secretary to monitor the evacuation process to help people in “distress and despair”.
“Deeply anguished by the kind of messages and SOS we are receiving from Manipur. I am concerned about the safety of the people of Manipur and others hailing from different parts of the country, now stranded there,” Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.
“The Bengal government is committed to standing by the people and has decided to make every effort to evacuate people stranded there in coordination with the Manipur government. The chief secretary has been directed to monitor the entire process, to help people in distress and despair. We are with the people at all times. Urge everyone to maintain peace,” the chief minister wrote.
READ | Manipur violence: Vehicles torched; schools, churches, houses set ablaze by protesting mob
The helpline numbers are: 033-22143526, 033-22535185.
Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya have also opened emergency helpline for people facing challenges amid the unrest in their neighbouring state, Manipur.
Nagaland Home Department in a statement said that they are “maintaining a close watch on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.” It has also made arrangements for those requiring immediate evacuation.
ALSO READ | Nagaland, Meghalaya open emergency helplines for people stranded in violence-hit Manipur
Nearly 10,000 army, para-military and central police forces have been deployed in Manipur where violence broke out after demonstrations were organised by tribals – including Kukis and Nagas – on May 3 against a move to give the majority Meitei community, Scheduled Tribe status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of the population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals (Nagas and Kukis) account for another 40 per cent of the population and live mostly in the hill districts which surround the Valley.
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