The internet ban has been further extended. (File)
imphal:
The Manipur government has cut VIP security coverage of a significant number of ministers, MLAs, politicians and bureaucrats and these approximately 2,000 security personnel will now be deployed to monitor farmers engaged in farming in disadvantaged areas of the state, sources said today. .
The development came two days after Manipur Prime Minister N. Biren Singh said a decision has been made to provide certainty to farmers who will begin the harvesting season.
“Security of many ministers, MLAs, other politicians, civil servants and former bureaucrats has been lowered, leading to the release of around 2,000 security personnel, who will be deployed to guard farmers engaged in farming in troubled areas in Manipur. ‘ said a source.
After chairing a meeting of the unified command on Monday, Mr. Singh said a decision was made to provide security for the farmers who will start the harvest season.
“For agricultural purposes, the government has decided to provide more security personnel in five districts. About 2,000 additional security personnel will be deployed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching districts,” he had said.
There are fears that farmers will not be able to carry out their farming activities in the areas where the Imphal valley meets the hills due to safety concerns.
The Meities live in the valley and the Kukis live in the hills. Both communities are deeply divided along ethnic lines, leading to many violent incidents in the past two months.
Meanwhile, the internet ban in Manipur has been further extended to prevent rumors that could affect the prevailing atmosphere.
Nearly 120 people have lost their lives and more than 3,000 injured since communal violence erupted in Manipur after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) condition.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited the state for four days last month and met with a cross-section of people in his efforts to restore peace to the northeastern state.
In addition to the Manipur police, about 40,000 central security personnel have been deployed to contain the violence and restore normalcy to the state.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is being published from a syndicated feed.)
