Curfew still on, no sign of reprieve

IMPHAL, Feb 20: Curfew clamped in Imphal West and Imphal East districts since 5 pm yesterday as a pre-emptive measure against any possible untoward incident in the aftermath of the public outcry against the brutal murder of SDO Kishan and his two staff is still in force but there has been no report of any untoward incident till the time of filing this report.A large number of security personnel including CRPF, MR, IRB and Manipur Police are being deployed in almost every road and street of the twin capital city.Soon after the curfew was clamped at 5 pm yesterday, a number of commando teams have been going around in the two districts driving in any one who dare to venture out of their homes. Due to the curfew, all important places of Imphal East including Lamlong Keithel Kongba Keithel were totally deserted. There was no vehicular traffic on all roads and all roadside shops remained shut.In Imphal West, Khwairamband Keithel and all other market centres bore deserted looks. Barring for a very sparse vehicular movement for religious purposes and medical reasons, there was no vehicular traffic. A large number of security personnel were also seen keeping a strict vigil around Khwairamband Keithel. Few people who ventured out at Keishampat, Tiddim road, Singjamei road, Uripok road and Nagamapal road were driven back by the large number of security personnel present all along these roads.Literally, no movement of either vehicles or people was allowed during the curfew.Till late evening, commando teams continued to drive passers-by away from the roads.