Manipur Govt authorises ‘shoot at sight’ orders

Flag marches conducted as precautionary build up of additional troops continue 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 5

The Manipur Government has issued ‘shoot at sight’ orders in “extreme cases,” while there were conflicting reports of the Centre imposing Article 355 in Manipur following the eruption of large scale violence in the State on May 3. 

The Manipur Government, in an order issued by its Home Commissioner authorised all District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates to issue “Shoot at sight orders” in extreme cases.

The order stated: “In view of the prevailing law and order situation following the unwanted incidents occurred after the Tribal Solidarity March, on May 3 and in order to maintain public order and tranquility in the state, the Governor of Manipur (Anusuiya Uikey) is pleased to authorise all District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates, Special Executive Magistrates detailed by the District Magistrates concerned to issue ‘Shoot at Sight’ orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted under the provisions of law under CrPC, 1973 and the situation could not be controlled.”

While several regional and national news outlets reported from their sources that the Centre had imposed Article 355 in the State, there was no official notice or communication to this effect from either the State or Central Government. 

Article 355 is a part of emergency provisions contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution of India. It empowers the central government to take all necessary steps to protect a state against internal disturbances and external aggression.

The Press Trust of India reported that the State Government has appointed retired IPS officer and former CRPF Chief Kuldiep Singh as its security advisor amid the ongoing violence. He reportedly reached Imphal on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Government also suspended broadband services on Thursday, a day after mobile internet services were suspended for five days on May 3 across the State. 

A journalist from Manipur informed that when he visited the epicentre of the violence, the situation was ‘normal’ at the area on Thursday. However, he said that there was “total anarchy” in the capital region. He further informed that a local MLA was admitted in the ICU after he was reportedly attacked by a mob. 

Another source described the situation as ‘unprecedented’ and informed that some houses just a few blocks away from her house were burning for hours with no response from emergency services. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday during which they discussed the current situation in the state. According to official sources, the Union Minister took stock of the law and order situation during the phone call.

In an appeal to the people, Biren Singh urged them to maintain peace and calm and cooperate with the State Government. “Wednesday’s incidents took place due to misunderstanding between the communities. The government will settle the genuine demands and grievances after talking with all the communities and leaders,” Singh said in a video message.

He said that his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga also spoke to him and discussed the protection of the tribals in Manipur.

Rumour of several deaths are being spread creating problems for the law enforcement agencies. However, authorities have not confirmed any fatalities.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and six-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom also in a video message urged the people to maintain ethnic harmony, peace and calm.

The Army and the Assam Rifles were meanwhile conducting flag marches in the State on Thursday while additional soldiers were airlifted.

A report from the IANS quoting a defense official informed that the Army and Assam Rifles personnel conducted flag marches and aerial reconnaissance in areas of Khuga, Tampa, and Khomaujanbba areas of Churachandpur district, Mantripukhri, Lamphel, and Koeirangi area of Imphal West District, and Sugnu in Kakching districts.

“Total 55 columns of Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed for restoration of law and order so far. Additional 14 columns were also kept on standby for deployment on short notice,” the Defence PRO told IANS.

He said that around 10,000 villagers of different communities were given shelter in Army and Assam Rifles camps in different districts.

Later in the evening, the Spear Corps of the Indian Army also updated on Twitter that additional columns were being re-deployed from Nagaland. In a series of tweets, it stated: “Situation in Moreh and Kangpokpi brough under control and stable. All efforts underway to restore normalcy in Imphal and Churachandpur. Precautionary build up of additional troops in Manipur to continue.” 

It further informed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be undertaking flying operations to induct additional Indian Army columns from Assam commencing from May 4.