Imphal: Following the attacks on a few villages and residences of high profile politicians in Manipur forces have beefed up the security across the state, army sources said. Till now more than 70 lives have been lost to the ethnic clash that began in Manipur on May 3. Sulking mobs have also reportedly set ablaze many residences in Imphal. The situation is still tense.

The chief of army staff Gen Manoj Pande is on a tour in Manipur reviewing the security arrangements prepared by the forces.

Moreover, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh have stated that additional security forces had been brought into the state and security personnel consisting of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles, India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Village Defence Force (VDF) had been deployed at 38 vulnerable areas.

The 38 locations where security personnel were deployed include Napat, Haotak, Salton Heiyaikon, Saiton Leitanpokpi, Nganukon, Salal Konjin, Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang, Torbung, Govindpur, Torbung Bunglow, Phougakchao Ikhai Maning, Phougakchao Ikhai Awang, Kwakta Maning, Terakhongshangbi, Khudekpi, Toronglaobi, oksongbung, Ngangkhalawai, Thamnapokpi, Naranseina, Sunusiphai, Phubala, Thinungei, Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou, Ningthoukhong Macha Ebema, Upokpi, Potsangbam, Nachou, Chothe, Ngariyan Oil pump, Keinou, Irengbam Foothills, waroiching, Leimaram, Kamong, Heikrujam, Sagang Bazar and Chairel Manjil.

Appealing to the public not to have apprehension, the Chief Minister informed that operations had been conducted against armed militants in various areas in the periphery of the State. Efforts are being made to hold peace talks with all sections of people and the Government has been meeting various peace committees formed in the wake of the prevailing situation in Manipur, he added.

Singh has made an appeal to all the communities to shun the path of violence and help the state administration restore peace and harmony in Manipur.

“We are all brothers and sisters. We have been staying together for ages and will surely live peacefully,” Singh quipped.