Imphal: Security forces in Manipur evacuated at least 51 Kuki students from the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Ramva in Ukhrul district as a precautionary measure, reports said on Tuesday.
This comes after a flare-up was reported between the Tangkhul Naga tribe and the Kukis in Ukhrul.
It may be mentioned that, the situation has been escalating in the district following clashes between Tangkhul Naga tribe and the Kukis for more than a week.
Reportedly, around 30 houses were burnt during clashes at Litan Sareikhong area heightening fears of further unrest in the Naga-majority district.
Authorities described the evacuation as a precautionary step amid a fragile law and order situation in the district.
In a statement, the police said, “The Ukhrul District Police have evacuated 51 students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Ramva School in Ukhrul and handed them over to the Saikul police station team for onward movement to the JNV in Kangpokpi district.”
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The group of students included 20 girls and 31 boys, who had been staying under Assam Rifles protection for the past few days after being shifted out of the residential school where Naga students are in an overwhelming majority.
During the evacuation process, some members of the public mistook the students for miscreants, the police said, adding that local civil society organisations helped the administration in de-escalating tension.
“Their efforts in persuading villagers across the Shangshak, Ramva, Shokvao, TM Kasom and S Laho areas ensured the safe evacuation of the students,” the statement added.
Authorities have appealed to all communities to remain calm and refrain from spreading rumours that could further aggravate the situation.
