175 deaths, 96 unclaimed, 32 still missing
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 14 2023:
The ongoing crisis in the state has now seen an official death toll of 175, with 79 individuals claimed by their respective families, leaving 96 unclaimed bodies.
Additionally, 32 individuals remain missing, while security barricades in Phougakchao Ikhai area have been removed, informed IGP (Administration) K Jayanta during a press conference held at the police headquarters in Imphal on Thursday.
IGP Jayanta revealed that the ethnic clashes, which began on May 3, have claimed the lives of 175 people.
Among these, 166 have been identified, and their families have claimed 79 of the deceased.
The remaining 96 unclaimed bodies are lying in RIMS (28), JNIMS (26), and Churachandpur district hospitals (42).A total of 1,108 individuals have sustained injuries during the crisis and whereabouts of 32 persons are still unknown.
Tragically, 5,172 houses were damaged, with 4,786 of them completely razed to the ground.
Additionally, the crisis has led to the destruction of 254 churches and 132 temples.
During the crisis, 5,668 firearms were looted from police armouries in both the hills and the valley.
Law enforcement agencies have managed to recover 1,329 of these arms, along with 50,000 rounds of ammunition and 400 explosives.
Furthermore, a total of 9,332 cases have been registered in connection with the crisis, resulting in 325 arrests thus far.
Mobile checkpoints are being used to detain curfew violators, and the state police have identified 360 bunkers, he said.
The IGP emphasised that essential supplies were brought into the state via train, with 12 wagons arriving on September 12 to ensure uninterrupted flow of goods.
Quick response teams, comprise of both CAPF and state forces, have been deployed to areas experiencing gunfights, ensuring an ample presence to maintain order.
IGP (Ops) K Muivah underscored the significant role played by the state security forces in collaboration with CAPF, civil administration, and the general public in controlling the violence.
As a result of their relentless efforts, all security barricades from Phougakchao Ikhai to Phougakchao Makha Leikai (Kangvai) have been successfully removed by a security team led by IGP (Zone-II) K Kabib.
Joint teams, composed of state forces and Assam Rifles, are conducting regular verification drives at all SoO (Suspension of Operations) camps every 15 days.
Additional checkpoints will be established at multiple locations to curtail the transportation of illegal arms, with these checkpoints jointly manned by state forces and CAPF.
Currently, 138 CAPF companies have been deployed in the state, with an additional 50 companies expected to arrive soon to bolster the situation.
IGP (Zone-III) Nishit Ujjwal disclosed that he, along with DIG N Herojit and other senior police officers, personally visited the Koutruk area following recent skirmishes.
They inspected the deployment and operations of state police and CAPF personnel from Haraothel to Singda area, and measures are being taken to initiate actions against any armed miscreants from both sides.
In addition to this, 52 CAPF companies have been stationed along NH-37 to ensure the safe passage of transporters, and 10 CAPF companies have been deployed along NH-2 since the past three days, allowing for resumption of transport services.
On Thursday, 218 goods-laden trucks arrived in Imphal from Dimapur along NH-2, and a similar number of empty trucks departed from Imphal for Dimapur, facilitating the movement of essential supplies, the IGP added.
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