NEW DELHI: Amid the latest flare-up in ethnic violence in Manipur, the Centre on Saturday said it had directed all security forces deployed in the state to “take necessary steps to restore peace and order”.
The directions, conveyed alongside a warning of strict action against those trying to indulge in violent activities, come close on the heels of the Centre reimposing Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in six police stations spread over five districts of Manipur. All the five districts are located in Meitei-dominated Valley area.
The Centre had, in its notification on Thursday, said the move was warranted “to carry out well-coordinated operations by security forces to maintain the security situation and contain the activities of insurgent groups in these areas”.
A home ministry spokesperson on Saturday underlined that important cases relating to ethnic violence and public unrest in Manipur have been handed over to NIA. “Public are requested to maintain peace, not believe in rumours and cooperate with security forces to maintain law and order,” MHA said .
The security scenario in Manipur has remained fragile for the past few days. Armed miscreants from both communities in conflict have been indulging in violence, leading to unfortunate loss of lives and disruption in public order.
Earlier this week, the MHA had rushed central forces reinforcements to aid the Manipur police in restoring order.