Rising prices, internet shutdown press down violence-hit Manipur

Imphal: In Manipur, where ethnic violence wreck havoc, killed many and imparted damages, people are having a hard time due to surging prices of essentials and suspended internet affecting banking facilities, IANS reported.

Locals have a miserable time as in most of the 16 districts, internet services continue to remain suspended for 12 days, causing banks and ATM booths to remain cashless.

The suspension of mobile internet services also badly affected the important government and non-government services since May 3, when Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter-attacks and arson of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than ten districts during and after 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST category.

The Transport fuel crisis also put commuters in trouble. The state government authorities are supplying petrol and diesel to the two-wheeler and vehicle owners in a limited quantity.

The curfew in 11 districts is being relaxed for several hours every day in the daytime allowing the people to procure food and various other essential items.

Officials in Imphal said that sporadic incidents of violence and attacks are taking place in certain districts almost every day.

A few vacant houses were burnt down by the suspected Kuki militants in the Churachandpur district on Saturday night. Residents of these houses are now living in relief camps.

Defence sources said that a joint Army and Assam Rifles area domination patrol party was fired upon by a group of unidentified armed miscreants at a forest area near Lailampat in Churachandpur district on Saturday.

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