Imphal: The indefinite curfew, reimposed in Imphal and greater Imphal areas of Manipur on October 12, was relaxed on October 13 for 11 hours from 6 AM amidst criticisms by several organisations that the government was suppressing their democratic movement.

The curfew would be in force again from 5 PM to 6 AM in the areas till further orders, official sources said.

The curfew was reimposed in view of the apex body United Committee of Manipur's call for a mass sit-in demanding government clarification in the controversial issue of the state boundaries.

Official sources said the current agitation in Manipur had been sparked off by the unconditional release of the 13 National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) NSCN (IM) members a day after their arrest in Senapati district a week ago and Centre's emissary K Padmanabhaih's reported suggestion during peace talks with the Naga group to set up a Boundary Committee to include Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur and Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh in Nagaland.

People's Students Front (PSF) demanded the resignation of the Okram Ibobi Singh-headed Secular Progressive Front (SPF) ministry saying the government had acted against the peoples' wish by unconditionally releasing the NSCN (IM) militants "who wanted to break up Manipur."

PSF president L Roshan in a statement blamed the government for "preventing democratic protests in the valley for protection of territories" while letting the NSCN (IM) supporters organise meetings in the hills on division of the state.

Condemning the imposition of indefinite curfew, the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) said the government should not attempt to foil the democratic movement in the state.

DPP spokesman R K Anand said the unconditional release of the NSCN (IM) militants along with arms was "very much against the provisions of the law" and wondered how the Chief Minister violated the law.

Anand said the Naga militants had been arrested in the territory of Manipur and there should not be different yardsticks while dealing with militants whether from the valley or hills.

In a statement, social organisation Manipur Peace and Integrity Council blamed the government for imposing curfew here while giving free hand to hold meetings in the hill areas to discuss the "division of Manipur". The statement said the present government should bear full responsibility if the state boundaries were disturbed while settling issues with a Naga outfit.

PTI