Fresh violence erupts in Manipur, one killed

A person was killed and three were injured at Tronglaobi in Bishenpur district in India’s Assam on Wednesday.

Curfew, which was relaxed till 4pm, was immediately cancelled in Bishenpur, Imphal West, Imphal East districts, according to local media.

Unknown people had been attacking villages in Manipur foothills and burnt large numbers of houses since Tuesday night.

The armed persons resorted to heavy firing, killing a person and injuring three.

Police have rushed in to control the situation.

Over 40,000 people, whose houses were burnt, were still in various camps.

Due to blockade on national highways by people at Kangpokpi since May 3 last, there is shortage of food, medicines and essential items in the state.

Since May 3 due to clashes between two ethnic groups in Manipur, there has been unrest in the state and suspension of the internet.

Talks are on with media and fire brigade personnel as media persons and fire brigade personnel were beaten up badly by Army personnel on Monday.

Firefighters were on a stir as they were pulled down from fire tenders and beaten up when they rushed in to douse a fire.

Prices of essentials touching the sky

Prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Manipur since ethnic violence started some three weeks ago, as import of products from outside the state has been affected, with several items being sold at double the normal price.

In most parts of the landlocked northeastern state, items such as rice, potato, onion and egg besides LPG cylinders and petrol are selling at rates much above the ones fixed by the government.

“Earlier, one 50 kg bag of superfine rice costs Rs 900 but now it has gone up to Rs 1,800. Prices of potatoes and onions also increased by Rs 20 to Rs 30. In general, prices for all the essential commodities brought from outside have gone up,” said Manglembi Chanam, a government school teacher in Imphal West district.

She said LPG cylinders are being sold in the black market for Rs 1,800, while a litre of petrol costs Rs 170 in many parts of Imphal West district.