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21-member delegation from the grand Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A

21-Member Oppo Delegation To Land In Imphal For 2-day Manipur Visit

By LokMarg 29th July 2023

A 21-member delegation from the grand Opposition alliance, I.N.D.I.A, is set to touch down at Imphal airport on Saturday for a two-visit to violence-hit Manipur.

The visit follows from a chorus from the Opposition members for a debate on the Manipur situation and a statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has resulted in repeated disruptions and adjournments in both Houses of Parliament.
The Northeast state has been racked by ehtnic violence, which broke out over a Manipur High Court order asking the state government to consider adding the Meitei community to the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Amid the persistent violence, a video from May 4, when the clashes broke out, surfaced recently purportedly showing two women being paraded naked.

The viral video triggered a fierce war of words between the BJP-led Centre and the Opposition, both within the four walls of the Parliament and outside, over the prevailing state of affairs in the Northeast state.

Demanding that all scheduled businesses in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha be set aside for a discussion on Manipur, members of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) raised a ruckus, disrupting and stalling proceedings in both Houses.

The visit by the I.N.D.I.A delegation comes even as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted a motion of no cofidence moved by the Opposition against the Centre over the Manipur situation.

The motion was tabled in the Lower House by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who is part of the delegation visiting Manipur on Saturday.

Defending the motion against the Centre, Opposition leaders said it was aimed at eliciting a response from PM Modi over the Manipur situation in Parliament.

The 21-member Opposition delegation, from both Houses, includes Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Gaurav Gogoi, K Suresh and Phulo Devi Netam of the Congress; Rajiv Ranjan Lalan Singh of the JDU; Sushmita Dev from Trinamool Congress; Kanimozhi from DMK; Sandosh Kumar of the CPI; AA Rahim from CPI(M), Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD; Javed Ali Khan of SP; Mahua Maji of JMM; PP Mohammed Faizal of NCP; Aneel Prasad Hegde of JDU, ET Mohammed Basheer of IUML; NK Premachandran of RSP; Sushil Gupta of AAP; Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT); D Ravikumar of VCK; Thiru Thol Thirumavalavan also of VCK; and Jayant Singh of the RLD.

Only Demand Is Peace With Justice: Manoj Jha

As per the schedule, the delegation, split into two teams, will reach the Imphal airport at 12 pm on Saturday and will leave for Churachandpur, the epicentre of the ethnic violence in the state. The delegation will likely hold a press conference at 8.30 pm later in the day.

The Opppsition members have been adamant on the demand for a discussion on Manipur and a statement from PM Modi on the prevailing state of affairs in the state since the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 20.

While the Treasury said it was ready for a discussion on Manipur, the Opposition insisted on a debate under adjournment motion.

Amid the disruptions in the Rajya Sabha over the Manipur issue, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday held a meeting with leaders of all Opposition parties to discuss the proceedings of the Upper House next week.

The BJP’s Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said the Opposition should proper functioning of the House by way of dialogue, debate and discussion.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur during which he announced several steps to restore peace.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited the state in June. (ANI)

BJP Thinks Of Manipur As If It Is Pakistan: Surjewala

By LokMarg 27th July 2023

Congress MP Randeep Surjewala on Thursday slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the prevailing situation in Manipur and alleged that the ruling party thinks of Manipur as if it is Pakistan”.

“How will they (BJP) even see the black colour of protest when their (BJP) hearts are black?… Dr Manmohan Singh during his tenure as PM used to answer questions every week…Today, they (BJP) think of Manipur which is an integral part of India as if it is Pakistan”, MP Surjewala said.
Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aware that BJP’s ideology has set the northeastern state on fire.

According to the Congress leader, PM Modi has got nothing to do with the violence-hit state because he is the Prime Minister of only a few selected people.

In a video message shared by Indian National Congress on Twitter, Rahul Gandhi said, “What is Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing for Manipur? Why is he not saying anything about Manipur? It is because Narendra Modi has nothing to do with Manipur. He knows that his own ideology has burned Manipur.”

Hitting out at PM Modi for not visiting the northeastern state, Rahul Gandhi said, “Have you seen what happened in Manipur? And what is happening? You will be surprised that the Prime Minister has not said a word about Manipur. You would have thought that when a state of the country is burning, the Prime Minister of the country would say something. Many of you would have thought that the Prime Minister of the country would go to Imphal to at least talk to the people.”

Meanwhile today, the opposition MPs of the INDIA alliance arrived at the Parliament wearing black clothes as a mark of protest against the Manipur violence.

While speaking to ANI, Aam Admi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chaddha said, “Today the MPs of INDIA alliance have decided to oppose the atrocities on the people of Manipur and the barbarism going on there, we will wear black clothes and go to the Parliament today. This will be a symbolic protest to give a message that we stand with the people of Manipur in this hour of grief.

“He further stated that Chief Minister N Biren Singh should be sacked from his position.’We will try to make the Government realise that an integral part of this country, Manipur is burning. We urge the Government to save Manipur and shoulder their Constitutional duty. The State Govt of the day should be dissolved and the CM should be unceremoniously sacked,” he said.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said that they are wearing black clothes against the arrogance of PM Modi.

“Our black clothes are against the arrogance of the PM. When the country is burning and Manipur is divided, he is bothered only about his own image,” Gaurav Gogoi said.

Meanwhile, the Leaders of the INDIA alliance held a meeting in the Parliament to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “We do not get a chance to speak in the Parliament. We demanded that PM Modi should come to the Parliament & have a detailed discussion on the Manipur issue. Don’t know why the Prime Minister is not speaking. We were forced to bring a no-confidence motion.”

“We know that this will not bring down the government, but we have no choice. The Prime Minister of the country should come in front of the country and speak on Manipur,” he added.

All Members of Parliament from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) on Thursday will wear black clothes to the Parliament to register their protest over the situation in Manipur. (ANI)

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Rajya Sabha immediate discussion on manipur case

RS: Oppo Demands Immediate Discussion On Manipur Under Rule 267

By LokMarg 25th July 2023

Rajya Sabha faced its second adjournment on Tuesday amid insistence by the opposition for a detailed discussion on Manipur violence and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on it.

Soon after the House reassembled at 12 noon following the first adjournment earlier, the Opposition leaders raised their demand. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar proceeded with Question Hour even as opposition members raised slogans in support of their demand.
The Chairman told the protesting members to maintain order as Question Hour is at the Heart of Parliament’s functioning,

“We will have to have zero tolerance for lack of decorum,” he said.

Dhankhar objected to remarks of Congress leader P Chidambaram’s “how can you do it” remarks earlier and said the language was “extreme and intemperate”.

Chidambaram said that he had pointed to the earlier remarks made by the Chair and meant no disrespect.

Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and P. Chidambaram appealed to the chair to hold a discussion on the Manipur issue under Rule 267 and said over 50 notices had been given.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge asked why the government is not ready for discussion on the Manipur issue when 50 members have given notice under Rule 267 today and similar notices have been given for the last four days.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking a jibe at the opposition over INDIA alliance by talking about East India Company but not speaking in Parliament on Manipur violence.

“So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur, but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge alleged.

Several other leaders, including AAP’s Raghav Chadha, BRS’ K Keshava Rao, also spoke and demanded discussion under Rule 267 on Manipur.

Leader of the House Piyush Goyal said the government is ready to discuss all issues and accused the opposition of trying to polticise atrocities against women.

He also referred to the incidences of violence in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and said these incidents should also be discussed.

“If they were sensitive, a discussion would have started,” he said.

Amid the din, Rajya Sabha Chairman adjourned the House till 2 pm. The House has been witnessing adjournments since the beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament on July 20. Opposition is keen on discussion under a rule that also entails voting. (ANI)

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LS,RS Face Adjournments Amid Opposition Demands On Manipur situation

By LokMarg 24th July 2023

Opposition parties continued their protest in the two Houses of Parliament over their demands relating to the debate on the Manipur situation with both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seeing adjournments on Monday.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon and then till 2 pm.
In Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar suspended Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Monday for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament for “repeatedly violating” the Chair’s directives.

The Chairman first named Sanjay Singh for interrupting the proceedings of the House when it had taken up the Question Hour amid protests by the Opposition over its demand for a statement from Prime Minister on the Manipur violence and a detailed discussion on the issue.

Sanjay Singh came near the Chairman’s podium over opposition demands. Dhankhar told him to resume his seat. As the AAP member kept protesting, the Chairman named him.

Soon after the Chairman named Sanjay Singh, Leader of the House Piyush Goyal moved a motion urging the Chair to suspend the AAP member, saying this kind of behaviour “is completely against the ethics and rules of the House.”

Sanjay Singh should be suspended from the entire session of the House, he said.

The Chairman put the motion for approval of the House and said Sanjay Singh was being suspended for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament “for having repeatedly violated the directives of the Chair”.

The Chairman then adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Dhankhar had last week cautioned Sanjay Singh, saying that he will be forced to name the AAP member after he repeatedly protested against the proposed bill to replace the Centre’s ordinance for control over services in Delhi.

Dhankhar had cautioned Sanjay Singh after urging AAP members to take their seats as he briefed the House about the proceedings of the Business Advisory Committee.

AAP has been among opposition parties demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on the situation in Manipur and a detailed discussion on the issue.

The government has said it is prepared to discuss the situation in Manipur.

Lok Sabha witnessed protests and sloganeering from opposition members over their demand for a discussion on the Manipur situation and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The House briefly took up Question Hour before it was adjourned till 12 noon.

As soon as House met for the day, opposition members were on their feet over their demand. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary demanded that the Prime Minister should make a statement in the House on the situation in Manipur.

Speaker Om Birla said that the House is ready for discussion and the opposition parties cannot decide who will reply to the debate.

Birla said Deputy Leader of the House Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has already said that the government is ready for discussion.

Rajnath Singh spoke briefly and said that there should be discussion in the House on Manipur situation and the government is ready.

Birla said that a solution will be found through discussions. “The House is for debate. Have you been sent by people to display placards, resort to sloganeering. This is Question Hour,” he told opposition members

The Speaker said that the matter can be discussion after Question Hour.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the government was willing for discussion and the opposition parties were trying to interrupt the proceedings of the House.

Opposition members displayed placards which expressed concern over the situation in Manipur and sought statement from the Prime Minister in the House.

The House briefly proceeded with the Question Hour amid protests and sloganeering by opposition members befofe it was adjourned till 12 noon.

Opposition members continued their protest when the Houser resumed proceedings at 12 noon.

The House briefly took up government’s legislative agenda among sloganeering by opposition members.

The government withdrew DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019.

Three bills – The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 and the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were introduced in the Lok Sabha.

As the protests continued, the Chair adjourned the House till 2 pm. (ANI)

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Sanjay Suspended From RS For Remainder Of Monsoon Session

By LokMarg 24th July 2023

AAP member Sanjay Singh was suspended from Rajya Sabha on Monday for the remainder of the monsoon session of Parliament for “repatedly violating directions of the Chair.”

The motion for Sanjay Singh’s suspension was moved by Union Minister and Leader of the House Piyush Goyal.
Chairman Jagadeep Dhankhar sought the approval of the House for the motion and said that Sanjay Singh was being suspended “for having repeatedly violated directive of the Chair”.

The AAP MP was suspended for the remaining duration of the Monsoon session during the Opposition’s protest in the House over the Manipur issue.

Dhankhar had last week cautioned Sanjay Singh saying that he will be forced to name the AAP member after he repeatedly protested against the proposed bill to replace Centre’s ordinance for control over services in Delhi.

Dhankhar had cautioned the AAP member after repeatedly urging AAP members to take their seats.

AAP has been among opposition parties demanding statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on the situation in Manipur and a detailed discussion on the issue

The government had said it is prepared to discuss the situation in Manipur.

The Monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20 and will continue till August 11. (ANI)

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DCW Chief Maliwal Reaches Imphal Despite Manipur Govt Asking To Postpone Visit

By LokMarg 23rd July 2023

A day after the state government asked her to postpone her visit to Manipur, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal on Sunday landed in Imphal to interact with survivors of sexual assault while appealing the government to allow her to do that.

“I will directly go to the CM’s Office. I want to meet chief minister, N Biren Singh. I want to meet the sexual abuse survivors and see if they have got legal aid, counselling or any compensation,” Maliwal said while speaking to ANI after landing at Imphal airport.

She also appealed to the state government saying that she has reached there to help the people of Manipur.

“Please allow me to do that. I have not come here to do politics. I request PM Modi and the Women and Child Development Minister (Smriti Irani) to visit Manipur. I will also try and meet the Governor,” Maliwal said.

This visit comes days after a video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob surfaced on social media.

Earlier before leaving for Imphal, the DCW chairperson claimed the state government asked her to postpone her visit as the law and order situation in the state “is not good”.

“I wrote to the Manipur Govt that I want to visit the state and meet the survivors of sexual assault. I have received a letter from the Manipur government where they have suggested that I postpone my visit as the law and order situation in the state is not good,” Maliwal said while speaking to ANI.

The DCW chief further said that she has decided to visit Manipur, and appealed to the Manipur government not to stop her.

“Manipur government wants me to reconsider my decision. I gave it a lot of thought and decided to visit Manipur. I am appealing to the state government not to stop me but make arrangements so that I can meet the sexual assault survivors and provide help,” Maliwal said earlier.

Maliwal also claimed that many girls fled from Manipur and came to Delhi because of violence and assault incidents, and said, “I want to discuss these things with the CM and have sought his time.”

On Thursday, Maliwal also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take urgent steps to curb violence in Manipur and protect the dignity and safety of all its citizens while seeking his intervention in seeking justice for the victims of the violence. (ANI)

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Manipur: 5th Accused Arrested In Viral Video Case

By LokMarg 22nd July 2023

The Manipur police on Saturday arrested another accused in connection with a viral video which showed two women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in Manipur.

Yesterday, four others who were arrested on July 20 were remanded to 11-day police custody.
“This is the fifth arrest made so far in connection with the months-old video, which went viral days ago,” Manipur police said today.

All-out efforts are being taken to arrest the remaining culprits by conducting raids at many suspected hideouts, Manipur police said in a tweet.

The first arrest in the case was made in the early hours of Thursday, hours after the video surfaced widely.

According to a senior police official the incident took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district and a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered in the matter.

Superintendent of Police (SP), K Meghachandra Singh in a statement on July 19 said “As regards the video of 2 (two) women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal district) against unknown armed miscreants.”

Manipur has been witnessing violence since May 3, following the protests by the Kuki and Naga communities against the High Court’s order asking the state government to consider the inclusion of Meitei community in the category of Scheduled Tribes (ST). Only STs can buy lands in hilly areas.

The majority Meitei community, which occupy the Imphal valley and nearby areas, sought the ST status keeping in view their increasing population and increased requirement of land, so that they could purchase lands in the hilly areas.

Earlier on Friday, state Chief Minister N Biren Singh evaded a question on the demand for him to step down, stating that his job was to restore peace to the state and ensure that the perpetrators of the alleged incident in the viral video are brought to book.

On the raucous protests by the Opposition in Parliament over the issue, Singh said the people in Manipur treat all women in the same way as they do their mothers and sisters and never condone crime, adding that this explains why there were ongoing statewide protests in Manipur.

Earlier, on Thursday, Singh told ANI that the video of the incident was leaked after 40 days and was from May 4, a day after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur.

“Really shocked when I saw the video. I inquired about the incident and learned that it happened on May 4. This video was leaked after 40 days. I ordered a combing operation (to track down the accused), and, last night itself, we arrested one of the accused,” the Manipur chief minister said on Thursday, adding that the government will take strict action against all the perpetrators and would even consider pressing for death penalty for the perpetrators. (ANI)

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Some Oppn Parties Not Serious About Manipur Situation: Rajnath

By LokMarg 21st July 2023

Amid the din from the Opposition benches on the demand for discussion on the Manipur violence, Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all members in the Lok Sabha that the Centre was ready and willing to discuss all issues with regard to law and order in the Northeast state.

Singh rose to address the Lower House after being asked by Speaker Om Birla to do so.
“Manipur incident is most definitely a very serious matter and sensing the gravity of the situation, the PM, himself, has said that what happened in the state (viral video on Wednesday purportedly showing two women being paraded in the nude) has put the entire nation to shame,” he said.

Accusing the Opposition members of not being as serious on the Manipur situation as they should be, the Defence Minister said, “A few political parties are tying to create a needless ruckus in Parliament to ensure that a discussion over Manipur can’t take place.”

The opening day of the ongoing Monsoon Session, on Thursday, was disrupted over the demand for a discussion on Manipur in both Houses of the Parliament.

“PM has said strictest action will be taken over the incident. We do want a discussion in Parliament over Manipur. I had said this in the all-party meeting and I would like to reiterate on the floor of this august House that we want a discussion on Manipur,” Singh said.

Speaking to media persons before the Parliament went into session on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his heart was filled with sorrow and anger over the incident in Manipur.

“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” he said.

“This incident is a shameful act for any civilized society. The perpetrators of this sin, the wrongdoers, whoever they are, the entire nation is feeling ashamed. 140 crore citizens are feeling embarrassed. I appeal to all Chief Ministers to strengthen law and order in their states, especially taking stringent steps to ensure the safety and protection of our mothers and sisters,” PM Modi added.

“Whether the incident happens in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, or Manipur, in any corner of India, in any state government, rising above political disputes and maintaining the significance of the rule of law and the respect for women is crucial. I want to assure the citizens of this country that no wrongdoer will be spared. Every step will be taken to ensure law forcefully with all its might,” he added.

Meanwhile, amid slogan-shouting by some Opposition members over Manipur, on Friday, the Lower House was adjourned till 12 noon. (ANI)

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Manipur: First Arrest Made; Biren Says Capital Punishment For Culprits

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Manipur Police has made its first arrest in the case registered in connection with the video of the incident in May this year in which two women being paraded naked in Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday.

“Last night at around 1.30 am, we arrested the main culprit,” the Manipur chief minister told ANI.
A video of the two-month-old incident had gone viral evoking sharp reactions from various political parties and triggering outrage.

Speaking to ANI, the Manipur chief minister said, “This is an inhumane act…so we have condemned this immediately…we instructed police to immediately act and arrest the culprits.”

“Every man every human being will condemn this act,” Singh said adding that they will seek for the perpetrators to get punishment “to the maximum possible extent.”

“Really shocked when I saw the video and after seeing it I inquired about the incident it happened on 4 May…but this video leaked after 40 days. I asked for mass combing ops…and last night itself we have arrested one man involved,” the Manipur chief minister said.

According to a senior police official the incident took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district and a case of abduction, gangrape and murder has been registered in the matter.

Earlier in a tweet Manipur chief minister N Biren Das said that strict action will be taken against all the curprits, including considering the possibility of capital punishment.

“After taking a Suo-motu cognisance of the incident immediately after the video surfaced, the Manipur Police swung to action and made the first arrest this morning. A thorough investigation is currently underway and we will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment,” the Manipur chief minister tweeted.

“Let it be known, there is absolutely no place for such heinous acts in our society,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning spoke said he is pained over the incident and said the incident is “shameful for any civil society.”

“No accused will spared, we will never forgive those who are behind this,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monsoon session of the Parliament today, PM Modi said, “This a shameful incident for any society..who did this and who is responsible is another issue but this has put our nation to shame. I appeal to all chief ministers to tighten law and order. Whether it is Rajasthan, Chattisgarh or Manipur…the issue of a woman’s honour is above all politics.

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Manipur: Fresh Firing Reported At Bishnupur

By LokMarg 8th July 2023

The situation in Manipur remains volatile as intermittent firing continued at the general area of Kangvai-Awang Lekhai area in Bishnupur district on Friday night.

According to the sources, Additional Border Security Forces (BSF) were inducted to bring the situation under control as columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles moved to the general area of Songdo.
The sources further said that one police personnel was injured during a retaliatory firing incident.

An exchange of fire was also reported in the Laikot area of YKPI with the situation being monitored by the security forces.

A mob of nearly 200 people built up at Mahabali road and set two vehicles on fire near the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur.

According to sources, the mob also tried to snatch weapons from the police.

“The police had to resort to firing to disperse the mob and bring the situation under control, although no casualties were reported in the incident,” the sources said.

No casualty has been reported.

The sources further said that another mob of nearly 200 people had gathered at Palace Compound in Imphal West but Army and Rapid Action Force personnel were able to disperse by 12.30 am today.

According to a statement by Manipur Police, the situation is tense in some parts with sporadic incidents of firing, but is normal in most districts in Manipur, an official statement from Manipur police said on Thursday.

“The situation is tense in some places with sporadic incidents of firing and congregation of unruly mob during the last 24 hours. However, the situation is normal in most districts,” said the statement.

The statement added that the State Police and Central forces on Thursday conducted search operations in the vulnerable and fringe areas in both the hill and valley districts of the state.

The official statement further said that on July 6, a joint team of Manipur Police and the Central Security Forces (CSF) destroyed 24 bunkers in the districts of Manipur. (ANI)