Imphal, May 8: Life is limping back to normalcy in violence-hit Manipur as people came out of their homes in state capital Imphal on Monday to buy essential items with the curfew bring relaxed for a few hours.

Meanwhile, drones and helicopters continue to keep a close watch in the violence-hit areas.

Army and Assam Rifles continue to hold flag marches in different areas that have been rocked by ethnic violence over the last few days.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said he was thankful to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his supervision and support to help improve the situation in the violence-hit state.

So far, 23,000 people have been rescued from the violence-hit areas and moved to military garrisons.

Clashes broke out on May 3, 2023 after tribals organised a demonstration in the ten hill districts of the state to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to the death of at least 54 people.

The curfew, imposed on Wednesday after the violence broke out, was relaxed from 5 am to 8 am in Imphal West district to allow people buy essential items on Monday.

Civilians, who were rescued by the personnel of the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles, have thanked both the armed forces for their efforts to restore normalcy in the state.

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