The situation remains tense in southern Manipur`s Churachandpur as “miscreants” set on fire the venue where Chief Minister N Biren Singh is scheduled to address a meeting on Friday. A police official said late on Thursday night that the Chief Minister is scheduled to visit the hill district on Friday and arson took place in the venue with chairs and other materials set on fire. Senior police officials with reinforcement have rushed to the place to control the situation.
The Manipur government has banned large gatherings and suspended mobile internet services in Churachandpur district following violence ahead of Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s visit there. On Thursday, a mob vandalised and set on fire the venue of Mr Singh’s scheduled programme allegedly over the BJP government’s survey of reserved and protected forests and areas like wetlands.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)were issued in the district to prevent any untoward incident in the district.
The decision was taken following a report by the police citing “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and properties” in the district, Additional District Magistrate, Churachandpur district, S Thienlatjoy Gangte, said in the order issued on Thursday.