Tension in Manipur following protest

GUWAHATI: Tension is running high in Manipur following large scale violence on Sunday. Miffed with ongoing economic blockade orchestrated by some naga groups in protest against creation of seven new districts by the congress government in the state and attacks on security forces, protesters restored to violence on Sunday.

Curfew is clamped in Imphal East district in Manipur after angry protesters resorted to violence. There were three bomb blasts on Thursday and an attack on the oldest Baptist church in Manipur on Friday this has fueled tension and the state government shut down internet services in the Imphal West district following rumours thatprotesters have threatened against holding Christmas celebrations.

There is bitter fight between the security forces and militants. Manipur police commandos’ outpost in Noney in Tamenglong district of Manipur was attacked by militants on Sunday. Two commandos were injured.

On Sunday protesters attacked vehicles coming from Naga dominated areas to Imphal. A senior police official told ET, “Vehicles were vandalized and set on fire. A bus was pushed into the river.”

Congress government has sited administrative convenience as the reason for creation of the new districts.

The newly formed districts are Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, Noney, Kamjong, Jiribam and Kakching