The security advisor to the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, has said some cadres and arms were found missing in some camps of the SoO during an inspection of the camps.
Briefing the media on Friday at the Chief Minister's bungalow in Imphal, the security advisor said that the state is gradually returning to normalcy, and district magistrates are relaxing curfew timings in their respective districts. There are no more stranded people at the airport, and only a few are awaiting flight schedules, he said.
On Thursday, there was an exchange of fire, during which one commando succumbed and six sustained injuries. In another incident at Torbung village, of the 11 persons who went to collect goods at Bangla, three are still missing, he informed.
The evacuation of the stranded people in the camps of the paramilitary force and CRPF in various districts is almost complete, with the transportation of around 45,000 stranded people so far, an advisor said, adding that only a few displaced people who are not willing to leave their respective camps are left to be transported.
He said that three PWD workers had been found dead in a ditch beyond the Churachandpur district border. The total number of deaths is 71, among which 41 have died due to violence, while others have died due to other causes, including drug overdoses, he added.
He said a total of 339 cases have been registered, and 423 arms with 6697 rounds of ammunition were recovered. At least 62 companies of troops were deployed in various districts, particularly in foothills and mixed-population areas, he said.
“Convoys are deployed for goods transportation,” he said, adding that no report of firing reached the police.
Regarding the people who fled to Myanmar, the advisor said that the numbers of people are yet to be confirmed; there may be 200 to 300, and the state is trying to transport them back to the state, he added.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the state government said that the state is heading towards normalcy as the curfew is relaxed for seven hours in various districts and many people came out for normal activities.
Surveillance is going on with continuous deployment of forces, and relief measures continue to be taken up and monitored at the highest level, it stated. A total of 339 cases have been registered,while 2759 people have left by air (mainly students), it stated.
“The state government appeals to all that it is not the time to play politics when our people are suffering. Political parties are requested not to play politics at this juncture,” it mentioned.
It stated that in the line of duty for the country and for the state, “we have lost a rifleman of the 5th MR Heisnam Jiten Singh” on Thursday. The state government has assured that all benefits will be given to the family of the deceased as per government rules. The chief minister, ministers, and MLAs paid floral tributes and expressed sincere condolences to the bereaved family, it stated.
Some local newspapers have reported that the government has lost to SoO cadres, it stated, adding that the statements are extremely unfortunate, and the government appealed that such irresponsible statements should not be made.
The government and the security forces are at the forefront to make sure that all steps are taken to ensure the safety of the people, it added.
Saying that peace has started prevailing in Manipur, the state government appealed to all Manipuris to help maintain peace and tranquility.
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