Shillong: The Meghalaya government has started evacuating students and civilians from riot-hit Manipur, State Law Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said on Friday.

“Sixty-four students were evacuated from Imphal airport to Guwahati airport in Assam as on Friday. Eight more students will be evacuated on Saturday morning, while another 36 more will be evacuated on Sunday,” Lyngdoh said.

She said the process to evacuate students and civilians from Meghalaya will continue till normalcy returns in that state.

Clashes broke out in Manipur on Wednesday during a protest rally organized by the All Tribal Students' Union (ATSUM) against a court order on the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST list. Several houses were burnt in multiple districts, and protests spread throughout the state. Reports of alleged rape of women in the Churachandpur district further fueled the unrest. Violence further escalated on Thursday, forcing the state government to seek the help of the army and paramilitary forces. Manipur Governor signed the shoot-at-sight order in extreme cases.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, “We are bringing back our stranded citizens through regular flights and chartered flights with special permission, who wish to return to Meghalaya. We are working closely with the Union and State governments, security agencies to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made for the safe return of our students and citizens.”

The Meghalaya government has engaged special flights to bring back home the stranded people from Manipur, sources said.

“So far, 50 students from the Agriculture University, 10 students from the Food Technology Institute, 25 members of the Lajong football team, and others have been brought from Manipur through these special flights,” a government statement read.

“The government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Director General Assam Rifles, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and private airlines, took all essential safety precautions to guarantee the passengers' safety throughout the flight,” officials said.

More than 25 citizens are on the way to Meghalaya via Guwahati today through different flights. Along with flights, special buses are also bringing over 60 students to Meghalaya.

A delegation of three officials led by Health Minister, Ampareen M Lyngdoh, West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Viveknanda Singh Rathore and others has travelled to Imphal for supporting the evacuation process.

Meghalaya government has also launched a helpline number (1800-345-3644) for citizens who may require further assistance.

(With UNI inputs)