NEW DELHI: Army has intensified aerial surveillance in Manipur heeding information about the infiltration of terrorists from Myanmar. Military helicopters have stepped up surveillance in the Imphal Valley. Drone surveillance has also been intensified along the Myanmar border. The search was also intensified after receiving information that the terrorists were hiding in the dense forests. 14 companies of troops have been deployed in the state.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh called an all-party meeting the other day. Peace Committees were formed in all constituencies. Parties like BJP, Congress, NPF, NPP, CPM, AAP, and Shiv Sena participated.

The army shifted more than 23,000 people to safer places after violence broke out during a tribal solidarity march called by the All Tribal Students' Union at Torbung in Churachandpur. Curfew was relaxed from 7 am to 10 am as the violence subsided. Security forces conducted a flag march in Churachandpur yesterday morning also.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the anti-reservation riots has risen to 55. Those who fled from Manipur and reached Cachar in Assam has reached 1,500 in number.

BJP MLA approaches Supreme Court

BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei approached the Supreme Court against the High Court's order granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community in Manipur. The High Court has no power to recommend a tribe as a Scheduled tribe. The petition also states that the Meitei community is not a tribe.

Acting Chief Justice MV Muralidharan of the Manipur High Court had directed the Meitei community to be considered for Scheduled Tribe status.