The Manipur Police on Thursday announced that security barricades along the Tiddim Road from Phougakchao Ikhai to Kangvai covering approximately a three-kilometer stretch have been completely removed.
During a briefing on the confidence-building measures undertaken by the security forces amid the challenging situation in the state at Manipur Police headquarters in Imphal, IGP (Ops) IK Muivah said that joint operations are being conducted at every designated SoO camp every 15 days.
He mentioned that the government is addressing the issue of absence and presence of cadres in these camps and is determining how to deal with those found absent.
He admitted that the state police are well aware of complaints regarding SoO cadres leaving their designated camps and engaging in unprovoked activities.
Regarding reports of miscreants traveling in vehicles with weapons, the IG mentioned that checkpoints have been established at various locations to disarm them, ensuring the safety of civilians.
Furthermore, regular operations have led to the destruction of a significant number of illegal bunkers, he further said, adding of a total of 5,668 arms that were looted, 1,329 arms, 15,050 rounds of ammunition, and 400 bombs have been recovered to date.
Regarding any incidents of firing or attacks in the peripheral regions of the valley, the IG stated that joint operations are launched immediately to apprehend the miscreants, and adequate security is deployed in the bordering areas.
In response to disturbances by miscreants in Koutruk, Haraothel, Kharam Thadou, Kandangband, and Singda in Imphal West, IGP (Zone III) Nishit Ujjawal mentioned that he personally visited the locations and briefed the security personnel deployed there to ensure that miscreants do not disrupt the atmosphere in those areas, expressing hope for improved conditions.
He further informed that the movement of transport vehicles on NH-37 is proceeding smoothly with the deployment of 15 companies of CAPF. The same applies to NH-2, where 10 companies of CAPF, in addition to the Army and Assam Rifles, have been deployed, he added.
Providing a statistical update on the ongoing crisis that began on May 3, IGP (Admn) K Jayanta reported an official death toll of 175, with 166 identified and nine still unidentified.
Among the identified, 79 bodies have been claimed, while 96 remain unclaimed, he said. Unclaimed bodies are being held at RIMS - 28, JNIMS - 26, and Churachandpur Hospital - 42.
Additionally, 32 persons are still missing, and the number of injured individuals stands at 1,108. The total number of arson cases is 5,172, including 4,786 houses and 386 religious structures, as per the IG (Admin).
He also mentioned that a total of 9,332 cases have been registered thus far, with 325 arrests made in connection with these cases. Furthermore, 37,296 individuals have been detained in efforts to maintain law and order.
