Imphal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a high-level review of the security situation in Manipur on 17th June, which has been marred by ethnic violence. Shah announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will initiate talks with both Meiteis and Kukis to bridge the ethnic divide and restore peace in the state.
Taking to the X handle home minister Shah wrote, “Chaired a meeting to review the security situation in Manipur with senior officials from various agencies.
Our government, under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, is firmly committed to ensuring peace and harmony in Manipur. Directed the local authorities to enhance the availability of basic amenities like food, water, and medicines in relief camps.
The MHA will initiate talks with both groups to bridge the divide. Issued strict instructions to take harsh legal action against the perpetrators of violence.”
During the meeting, Shah emphasised the need to prevent further violence and directed officials to take stringent legal action against perpetrators. This comes amid recent reports of fresh clashes in Imphal and Jiribam.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs will engage with both the Meitei and Kuki communities to address the ethnic conflict promptly. The Government of India is committed to supporting the Manipur Government in enhancing the state’s security,” Shah stated.
Strategic Deployment and Central Forces
Home minister Shah highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to resolving the ongoing conflict. He stressed the strategic deployment of central forces to restore peace and mentioned that additional forces would be deployed if necessary.
Focus on Relief Camps and Rehabilitation:
The Union home minister also reviewed conditions in relief camps, ensuring the availability of food, water, medicines, and other basic amenities. He directed the Manipur Chief Secretary to provide adequate health and education facilities for displaced individuals and prioritise their rehabilitation.
The meeting was attended by:
– Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande
– Union Home Secretary
– Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director
– Chief of Army Staff (Designate) Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi
– Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur Kuldip Singh
– Director General of Assam Rifles
– Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur
– Senior officials from the Army and MHA
Security Operations and Recoveries:
Security forces have intensified search operations in vulnerable areas. Recent operations in the Gangpijang Hill Ranges, Kangpokpi District, resulted in the recovery of multiple weapons, including:
– One 7.62mm AK 56 assault rifle
– One .22 rifle
– One 12-inch single-bore barrel gun
– Two improvised projectile launchers
– One Chinese hand grenade
– One country-made hand grenade
– One 51mm mortar
– Fifteen rounds of live ammunition
On June 16, police from Assam and Manipur conducted a joint meeting in Jiribam to address the region’s security concerns. Regular patrolling and area domination have been intensified along the Barak and Jiri rivers. Additionally, security forces are ensuring the safe movement of essential goods along NH-37 and NH-2.
Recent Incidents of Violence:
Despite efforts to maintain peace, miscreants torched the house of Manipur’s first IAS officer, the late T Kipgen, and set fire to two trucks in separate incidents. An irate mob set two trucks of Bhartia Infra Project Limited on fire in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district, highlighting the ongoing tension in the region.
The Government’s continued efforts to address the ethnic conflict and restore stability in Manipur remain crucial as they work towards ensuring a peaceful resolution.
