Imphal, May 2 (PTI) Security has been tightened across Manipur, as a precautionary measure, ahead of the second anniversary of the start of the ethnic strife in the state on May 3, 2023, officials said on Friday.
The state police have intensified frisking and vehicle checks at key locations in Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi district headquarters to monitor the movement of anti-social elements.
Security forces conducted a flag march in Imphal this evening, an official said.
Over 1,000 personnel and 150 vehicles were engaged during the joint march by CRPF and the Manipur Police, DIG, Commander 34 Battalion CRPF, Sushankar Upadhyay said.
"The joint flag march has been conducted to build confidence among people that we are here as a neutral force to maintain peace in the district. We have organised this in collaboration with the police of Imphal East and Imphal West districts. We have been conducting these exercises since yesterday and are prepared to deal with any situation that tries to disturb the peace in the area, he said.
Upadhyay also hoped that people would have confidence in security forces after such a flag march, and said, "Forces are here to maintain peace in Imphal and Manipur in general".
Security has also been beefed up in and around Khuman Lampak in Imphal, where the Manipur People’s Convention is scheduled.
Central forces have been deployed in front of Kangla Gate, the officials added.
"The security beef-up is a precautionary measure to prevent any unwanted activities by anti-social elements in the state, particularly on Saturday," one of the officials said.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei social organisation, has called upon the public to suspend all activities on May 3 and attend the convention.
Volunteers have used public address systems to remind citizens of the violence over the past two years and to highlight the alleged threat to the territorial and administrative integrity of the state.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) have also called for a shutdown on May 3 in all Kuki-majority areas.
They encouraged participation in an observation event planned by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum at the Churachandpur district headquarters.
In a joint statement, the student organisations said, "May 3 marks the completion of two years since the outbreak of ethnic violence", and urged everyone "to observe the day in silence by closing all educational institutions and business establishments".
They also appealed to people to hoist black flags at their residences as a mark of mourning.
The Manipur government prohibited the wearing of "camouflage uniforms/ combat dress" as well as "illegal display of festoons and slogans hurting the sentiment of other communities" at public gatherings on Saturday, an official statement said.
A notice by the Churachandpur district magistrate stated that a "permit with restrictions has been given to hold a public gathering at the Wall of Remembrance at Tuibong on Saturday, as requested by Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum functionaries.
It also prohibited the use of loudspeakers on roads, except at the meeting venue, and banned carrying any articles that could be used as a weapon by the people attending the event.
"There should not be any type of rally in connection with the convention, and no anti-national slogans or speech are to be allowed," the notice said.
"If the event is likely to create a law and order problem and disturb public peace and tranquillity, the permission will be cancelled without any prior notice to the party," it said.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
Meanwhile, Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata on Friday said he has faith that the situation in the state would be reviewed soon and a new government might be formed.
Replying to queries on the sidelines of an event, Thokchom said, "I have seen media reports of MLAs urging the prime minister and the union home minister to allow the formation of a new government. I don't have much detailed idea of this. Since I am holding the position of Speaker, I am not much involved in the formation of the government."
"However, three months have passed since the President's rule was imposed in the state. So I have faith that the situation will be reviewed soon and a new government might be formed," Thokchom added.
Twenty-one Manipur MLAs have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah separately, urging them to form a "popular government" in the northeastern state, which is now under the President's rule, to ensure peace and normalcy.
The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in the northeastern state.
The imposition of the President's rule came after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
In a separate development, during a police operation, two active members of the banned outfit UNLF (Koireng faction) were arrested from North AOC in Imphal West district.
They have been identified as Huidrom Pishak (35) and Hanglem Thoiba Meitei. A 9mm pistol loaded with two live rounds was recovered from their possession.