Normalcy returning in state: Th Basanta
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 11 2023: The state is slowly returning to normalcy with various steps taken up by the state government, said education minister Th Basanta Kumar.

Briefing media persons at DIPR audi-torium on Thursday evening, minister Basanta informed that the curfew was relaxed for seven hours on Thursday.

Till now, a total of 321 FIRs have been registered and 30 persons arrested in connection with the violence.

He further added that one person, namely Khupngam Koireng from Utonglok Koireng under Sagolmang PS, Imphal East was arrestedby Assam Rifles and one 9mm pistol seized from his posses-sion along with four 9mm live rounds and another four .32 live rounds.

The minister further informed that the total number of deaths recorded related to the crisis is 68 and injury is 236, while the number of arson cases is 1794.Deployment of Army, Central Armed Police Forces and state police is also being effectively done, he said, while adding that inspection of So0 camps and weapons in the camps are being carried out by the police and Central Forces in full force.

Flag march and area domination exercises are also being carried out widely in addition to usage of drone and UAV helicopter with night vision for area surveillance of hill areas, he conveyed.

He continued that out of the 45,727 persons reported at various relief camps, most persons have left the re-lief camps by now and had returned to their respective homes.

Around 2639 have left for safe locations via plane.

And out of the 1,078 arms snatched from security forces, 422 arms have been recovered.

The minister also said that around 9.30 am Thursday,180 good trucks in-cluding 128 IOCL trucks were blocked at Hengbung area by a large crowd.

Later, the trucks were shifted towards Sen-apati for safety.

Efforts are underway to deploy additional security to escort the trucks to the state, he conveyed.

Basanta then appealed to the public for support the government's endeavour to restore normalcy in the state and also commended CSOs, clubs and Meira Paibi groups for their support in forming Peace Committees in all 60 assembly constituencies to help settle and provide relief to the displaced people.

The minister also appealed to both the print and electronic media to only publish news which have been confirmed, consider-ing the sensitive and tense albeit improving situation of the state.

He also urged for highlighting news and positive stories of commu-nities helping each other during this period.

It is not the time for taking political advantage, he said, while adding that the government has already announced to help those whose houses were burnt down during the violence.

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