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Journalism of Courage
The Manipur Police has placed the number of deaths since ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3 at 175, according to data presented by Inspector General of Police (Operation) I K Muivah.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal as a “confidence-building measure”, Muivah said that 175 people have lost their lives, 1,118 have been injured and 32 people are missing since violence engulfed the state for more than four months now.
He also stated that there are 5,132 cases of arson, within which 4,786 houses have been burnt. He also stated that 386 religious structures have been vandalized through arson, of which 254 are churches and 132 are temples.
Well over 4,000 arms have been looted from state armouries since the start of the violence. Muivah said that of these, 1,329 have been recovered, along with 15,050 ammunition and 400 bombs.
He also stated that barricades set up by the security forces from Phougakchao Ikhai to Kangvai at the border of Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district and Kuki-Zomi-dominated Churachandpur district were lifted on Thursday. These barricades had become a flashpoint of violence last week when thousands of people from the Meitei community had gathered in the area to “push back” the barricades, which resulted in stone pelting and firing at security forces, resulting in retaliatory force in which a large number of civilians had been injured.
Violence is continuing in the state and most recently, a sub-inspector with the Manipur Police was shot dead while on duty in Churachandpur district this week.
