Imphal, May 7: On Sunday, people were seen coming out in large numbers to buy food, medicines and other essential commodities during a curfew relaxation period in Churachandpur as life limped back to normal in violence hit-Manipur.

Army and Assam Rifles columns conducted a flag march through the town as soon as the curfew relaxation ended at 10 am.

According to reports, over 10,000 soldiers of Indian Army, troops of para-military and central police forces have been deployed in Manipur, of which around 5000 are in Churachandpur alone.

The total curfew that prohibited the movement of any person outside their homes was relaxed for three hours, from 7 am, in violence-hit Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Sunday morning allowing people to buy essentials such as medicines and food.

“Army has also significantly enhanced aerial surveillance through movement of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and redeployment of helicopters within Imphal valley,” said Defence spokeperson.

The curfew was imposed on May 3 after violent clashes broke out between tribals and members of the majority Meitei community, which has so far displaced over 13,000 people and killed at least 54.

According to reports, the clashes broke out after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

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