In response to the ongoing unrest in the region, the Manipur government has directed all colleges—government, aided, and private—to remain closed until September 12, 2024. The decision was communicated by the state’s Higher and Technical Education Department on Monday.

An official order, signed by Laishram Dolie Devi, Joint Secretary of Higher and Technical Education, outlined that the colleges would be closed on September 11 and 12, citing security concerns.

The decision comes as joint security forces conducted a flag march earlier in the day in violence-affected areas, including Kakching’s Sugnu and its surroundings. Additionally, the state has imposed an internet ban starting Tuesday to curb the spread of disinformation and false rumours via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The ban is expected to last until September 15.

In connection with the recent drone bombing incident, Manipur’s Inspector General of Police for Operations, IK Muviah, announced that all evidence collected during the investigation would likely be handed over to central investigative agencies for further examination. “We have recovered bomb fragments, which have been sent to forensic labs to determine the chemicals used,” Muviah said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other security forces have intensified search and recovery operations across several districts in Manipur. These joint efforts, which took place in the first week of September, led to the seizure of significant quantities of arms, ammunition, and warlike stores.

The operations were carried out in areas including Liklai, Mashemjang, P Geljang, Thoroilok, Gelmon, Molphai Tampak, Leisanbung, and Maulnghat in Churachandpur District, based on specific intelligence about hidden weapon caches. The coordinated efforts involved the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, and Manipur Police, reflecting the effectiveness of their joint actions.

(ANI)