Centre terms Manipur situation as 'very tense' after 8 die in violence

NEW DELHI: The Centre today termed as "very tense" the situation in Manipur where eight people were killed and 31 others injured following large scale arson and violence.

The central government would rush additional paramilitary forces following a request of the state government to assist police in tackling the situation.

"Situation in Manipur is very tense. Curfew has been imposed all around the troubled areas. If necessary, we will take more steps," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here.

Rijiju said so far eight people have lost their lives and many others were injured following the violence since yesterday.

"We are monitoring the situation. We had discussions with the Chief Minister and state government officials," he said.

Eight people were killed and 31 others injured in violence at Churachandpur town in Manipur during a 12-hour bandh called by tribal student organizations in protest against three bills passed by the Assembly yesterday.

The tribals feared that the passage of the laws would allow "outsiders" to have rights over tribal land.

Widespread arson was witnessed in Churachandpur district with the houses of a state minister, an MP and five MLAs being set on fire by unidentified people last evening, prompting authorities to impose indefinite curfew in Churachandpur town.