Imphal, January 17: A day after skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and State police force during the torch slogan called by the United Committee Manipur on January 16 at a various places in Imphal, the Deputy Commissioners of Imphal East and West districts have imposed curfew in the greater Imphal areas of the two districts from 6 pm to 6 am daily with effect from January 17 until further orders.

The decision was taken during a high level security meeting convened by the Chief Minister at his office chamber today at 11 am, said sources.

Top ranking civil and police officers including Chief Secretary AP Sharma and DG S Bimalchandra as well as the two DCs were present at the meeting.

Orders to this effect have been issued by the DCs this evening.

Issuing the order, the two DCs said they have received police reports that "there is likelihood of causing serious breach of peace, disturbance to the public tranquility and grave danger to the human lives and properties ..." Persons who want to take out procession for marriage, funeral, etc have been asked to apply to the respective DCs to obtain permission.

Meanwhile the All Manipur Students Union has stated that at least 30 persons were injured in the torch slogan held yesterday.

In a statement, the student body said nine persons were among those seriously injured and identified them as Sarangthem Lokendro alias Inao of Khurai Chaithabi (head injury), Moirangthem Maipak Singh (26) of Khurai Thongam Leikai (left shoulder), Waribam Yaima Singh (23) of Khurai Heikrumakhong (head injury), Soraisham Ibohanbi Meitei (40) of Khurai Chingabam Leirak (head injury), Puyam ongbi Sanatombi Devi wife of P Thouba of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai (right thigh), L Romeo Singh (22) of Khurai Thangjam Leikai (left leg), Ningthoujam Dhiren Singh (32) (right hand), P Mina Devi (24) wife of P Kennedy of Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai (left thigh) and Lairikyengbam Tarajit Singh (31) of Khurai Lamlong Bazar (right knee).

The Khurai branch of AMSU has saluted all those who took part in the slogan campaign to protect the integrity of Manipur.

In another development the Nagaram Village Development Authority has submitted a representation to Governor Ved Marwah urging him to take the necessary steps and provide security to the people of the village in the wake of disturbances created at the village by some miscreants yesterday.

In the representation, the Village Development Authority said that the miscreants numbering about 400 pelted stones and broke the gates of the residents of Nagaram and the adjoining places.

The representation said that the people of Nagaram want peace and don't want to create enmity with anyone.

"We want peaceful co-existence with mutual respect for each others' identity, culture and aspirations," said the representation.

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