Imphal, May 23: Over 7,700 people from Manipur have taken shelter in the neighbouring Mizoram after ethnic violence-hit the State since May 3.
According to reports, the people belonging to ethnic Zos, Known as Kukis, have taken shelter in the Mizoram.
According to official figures, around 2,690 people are taking shelter in Kolasib district, bordering Assam followed by 2,386 and 2,153 people in Aizawl and Saitual districts, respectively, while remaining are taking shelter in five other districts.
“A large number of people took shelter at the homes of their relatives and friends in Mizoram, while many of the hapless people have been lodged in community halls, schools and vacant buildings,” an official said.
Shops, markets and business establishments remained closed on Tuesday in the New Chekon area of Imphal East district, where some miscreants torched two houses after four armed people, including a former MLA, forced people to shut their shops on Monday.
Various organisations involving a large number of women have been organising sit-in-demonstrations in the valley districts of Manipur for the past few days demanding that the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militants be abrogated and action be taken against them.
The Army, Assam Rifles along with the Manipur police and the Rapid Action Force have been maintaining a strict vigil in the 11 districts with a mixed population where curfew is still in place.
