Manipur: Curfew Lifted in 5 Districts, Relaxed For Few Hours In Others

In a significant development, the authorities have lifted the curfew in five districts of Manipur, according to officials. Furthermore, they have also eased the prohibitory orders for a few hours in other districts, marking a positive step towards restoring normalcy in the violence-hit region.

This decision comes shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's stern warning about taking strict action against those who fail to surrender their arms in Manipur, which has been marred by ethnic clashes in recent weeks.

The death toll from clashes since ethnic violence began on May 3 has gone up to 98, officials said. Ethnic violence first broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.