SoO camps scanned, 284 snatched arms recovered
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 10 2023: In a bid to halt instances of use of firearms during the violent communal clashes in some parts of the state, joint teams of Assam Rifles and Manipur police have started inspection of designated camps of Kuki militant groups, which are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, according to security advisor Kuldeip Singh.

Addressing a press conference at the CM's bungalow here on Wednesday, Kuldiep said that the state is returning to normalcy gradually and as a result, district magistrates are relaxing curfew in their respective districts.

Concerted efforts are being made to restore normalcy through flag march and area domination exercise by security forces as well as search operation for mobsters.

Helicopter and drones are being used to assess the situation in different parts of the state including Imphal city and foothill areas.

So far, the government has been able to recover 284 arms and 6700 rounds of ammunition, which were snatched from state's security forces.

Displaced people, who were staying at shelter camps of security forces have been evacuated to safer locations.

There are around 6000 displaced people in different security forces camps and they will be evacuated to safer locations in a couple of days, he said.

Kuldiep further said that joint teams of Assam Rifles and state police have started inspection in designated camps of Kuki militant groups, which are signatories to the SoO agreement.

They are assessing number of arms and ammunition in the designated camps.

Since the assessment is in progress, the government has no proper report as of now and a report will be submitted after completing the operation, the security advisor added.

So far, 288 FIRs have been registered and the official death count is 66.Of them, 41 were killed in clashes while the remaining died of other causes.

The bodies will be delivered to their family members once the evacuation process is completed, he informed.

Kuldiep Singh further said that search operation is underway to locate the two missing persons from Khumbong, whose whereabouts remain unknown after they ventured into Sangaithel area.

He also informed that an As -sam Rifles jawan was injured during a shootout with some UG cadres in Dolaithabi area on Wednesday.

He suffered a bullet injury on his abdomen and has been evacuated to a hospital using helicopter.

Kuldiep also informed that he had held talks with transporters about their request to provide security convoy to safely escort the transporters stranded at Mao Gate.

Movement of trucks have started from Mao Gate under security cover from Wednesday 3.30 pm, he added.

Meanwhile, source said that 117 trucks have arrived here by the late evening.

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