Manipur govt: Most deaths in Imphal West & East, Churachandpur

A district-wise break-up of the deaths paints the picture of the geographical spread of casualties.

The two districts of Imphal West and Imphal East collectively account for 58 of these deaths – 29 each. While the capital city was rocked by mob violence in the first wave of violence in May, the carnage later moved to their peripheries, in areas bordering hill districts. Churachandpur has also been one of the epicentres of violence, witnessing 26 deaths.

Two more districts in the valley, Kakching and Bishnupur, have recorded a high number of deaths at 21 and 18, respectively. The hill district of Kangpokpi, which has also witnessed a fair share of violence in its peripheral areas, recorded eight deaths.

The other districts where deaths have been recorded are Tengnoupal (4), Thoubal (4), Kamjong (2) and Chandel (1).

The report also said there had been 5,053 reported incidents of arson till July 3, of which the most were in Kangpokpi (1,091), followed by Churachandpur (1,043). As many as 938 incidents of arson were reported in Imphal East and 528 in Bishnupur.

The number of people residing in relief camps has meanwhile been rising – the report put the number of those displaced at 54,488. In Churachandpur, 14,816 people are living in 102 relief camps while in Kangpokpi, 12,740 people are living in 60 camps.

A total of 5,995 FIRs have been registered across the state, while 181 people had been arrested until 5 pm on July 4. However, 108 have been released on bail and two on Personal Recognisance bond.

Apprising the Supreme Court of measures being undertaken by the state government to maintain security, the report submitted that bunkers, which it stated are “a cause of concern for the society in both hills and valley”, are being dismantled by security forces and security cover is being provided for civilians to carry out agricultural work as well as to escort the transport of essential items to Imphal from Jiribam district.

Violence still continued in the state on Monday as a policeman was killed while 10 were injured in exchange of fire late Sunday night. According to an official, the firing took place between two communities in Phayeng and Singda villages in Kangchup.