The death toll in Manipur following the recent clashes in the state has gone up to 71, according to Security Advisor to the Manipur Government, Kuldeep Singh. “The death figure is now approximately 71. Yesterday, there was an exchange of fire between Manipur commandos and militants. Six commandos got injured, and one of them got killed,” Kuldeep Singh said.
Singh further said that three PWD labourers were also found dead in a vehicle in the Churachandpur area. He said the exact cause of the incident had yet to be ascertained.
Earlier, several locals went missing after being attacked by unidentified people while they had gone to collect some stuff from their burned houses. An exchange of fire between Manipur Commandos and militants was also reported in the state, leaving six of the commandos injured and one dead, Singh further added.
Kuldeep Singh further said that in another incident in Torbung village at the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur, where 11 people had gone to collect some items from their burnt house, they came under attack by militants. Eight of those who were attacked managed to flee and reach the BSF camp, while three are still missing, he stated.
Singh claimed that the situation has improved in the state, and following the curfew, relaxation has also been extended to seven hours. “Situation in Manipur has improved quite a lot, and because of that, curfew relaxation has also been extended to 7 hours now. Displaced people living in different camps have been reduced to a bare minimum. Approx. 45,000 have been transported to different places. There are no extra flights operating and no stranded passengers at the airport as well,” Singh said.
