Manipur: Uneasy calm in Manipur as 7,000 troops take over; people asked to return looted weapons | News from India

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL: Restless Manipur got a lull from clashes, arson and looting on Friday as a deployment of 7,000 security forces spread across Imphal and other districts, marching through the streets in a bid to restore some semblance of normalcy after bouts of ethnic feuding sparked by hill tribe opposition to the majority Meitei community’s request for ST status.
Manipur DGP P Doungel urged looters to return the hundreds of service weapons that had been stolen in the past three days, including from the armory of Manipur Police Training College in Imphal East’s Pangei, at least eight police posts and patrol squads. Anyone voluntarily returning weapons would be spared prosecution, the administration said.

‘13,000 rescued from areas affected by violence’
THE Armywho was called as the northeastern state spiraled into rumor-fueled violence despite an internet ban, said there were no problems in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh and Kakching after midnight on Thursday.

“Over the past 12 hours, the east and west districts of Imphal have witnessed sporadic incidents of arson and attempts by enemy elements to impose a blockade. A firm and synergistic response, coupled with the induction of additional columns, has ensured the control of the situation,” Defense Lieutenant PRO said. said Colonel M Rawat.
Rawat said security forces had rescued more than 13,000 civilians across communities from pockets affected by the violence. They found refuge in military bases of operation and in military garrisons.
The Northeast Frontier Railway has canceled two trains to Manipur for 48 hours, CPRO Sabyasachi De said.