Curfew relaxed in Manipur hotspot, Army keeps vigil

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL: Army drones and helicopters kept a close watch on Manipur as curfew was relaxed from 7am to 10am on Sunday in Churachandpur district, the heart of the ethnic flare-up that has left at least 30 people dead so far, over 500 houses gutted, and displaced 23,000 people.
Army and Assam Rifles held flag marches as life started crawling back to somewhat normal, but the tension persisted. Sources said around 10,000 security personnel have been deployed in the state since clashes broke out between tribal groups and the Meiteis in Churachandpur on May 3.
The government said that curfew will be relaxed for a few hours in 11 districts on Monday as the situation has improved and more security forces are on the ground. The government has also been enabling safe passage to people trying to reach their homes, the CM’s office said.