As violence escalated and Manipur continued to burn despite the chief minister's appeal for peace and harmony, the state government on Thursday issued shoot at sight orders in extreme cases.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state following the Tribal Solidarity March 2023 held on Wednesday (May 3), and in order "to maintain public order and tranquility in the state", the government on Thursday authorised all district magistrates concerned to issue "Shoot at Sight" orders in "extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion , warning, reasonable force, etc had been exhausted under the provisions of law under CrPC, 1973 and the situation could not be controlled".
The state Home department has also opened a helpline centre "to provide help and assistance to persons affected by the current law and order situation in the state". Given below are the helpline numbers
1. 9436034077 - Rehanuddin Choudhury, Joint Secretary (Home)
2. 7005257760 - Peter Salam, Joint Secretary (Home)
3. 8794475406 - Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, Joint Secretary (Home)
4. 8730931414 - Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Deputy Secretary (Home)
5. 7085517602 - S Rudranarayan Singh DSP (Home)
Persons affected by the present law and order situation and requiring assistance may contact the Home department at any of the following above numbers, the home department stated in a notification.
Related: CM Biren urges all to maintain peace as Manipur burns
In view of the the burning situation in the state, the government on Wednesday imposed curfew in several districts of Manipur, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Jiribam and Churachandpur, prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences until further notice as violence broke out at several places of the districts
Violence erupted in several parts of the state following the ‘Tribal Solidarity March against Meetei/Meitei ST Demand’ called by the All Tribal Student Union, Manipur (ATSUM) that was carried out in all the hill districts of the state on Wednesday.
Several houses and churches belonging to tribal people in various parts of the state were reportedly burnt down in the violence that escalated on Thursday.
Related: Thousands march against ST demand in Manipur hill districts
