Imphal: The chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur, A. Sharda Devi, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 27th June, urging immediate attention to bring a permanent solution and tranquillity to the state. This meeting comes amid ongoing unrest and violence in Manipur.
Ms. Devi, whose three-year tenure as party president ended on June 27, emphasised the need for immediate resolve and ensuring rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). She conveyed the aspirations of the people of Manipur and expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts to address the situation.
In a post on X, Ms. Devi stated, “Conveyed the people’s aspirations and urged immediate attention to bring permanent solution and tranquillity to the State, while appreciating the ongoing efforts. Additionally, highlighted the need for resettling IDPs and providing maximum support for smooth rehabilitation. He [Amit Shah] assured that the Centre is aware of the delicate situation on the ground and committed to uplifting the people’s aspirations.”
The meeting between Ms. Devi and Mr. Shah occurred just days after the Home Minister reviewed the security situation in Manipur with state government officials in Delhi on June 17. Notably, the Chief Minister of Manipur was not present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), one of the largest Meitei civil society organisations in Imphal, is holding a mass rally on 28th June to protect the integrity of Manipur. Thousands from various communities and tribes from Manipur’s valley districts have joined in this huge rally, demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with Kuki militants, and opposition to any separate administration as demanded by various Kuki organisations including 10 Kuki MLAs in the state.
Other demands include:
1. Equal combing operations in both hills and valley regions.
2. Protection of Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity.
3. Establishment of buffer zones along international boundaries, not within Indian districts.
Since violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, more than 220 people have been killed, over 70,000 displaced, and more than 10,000 homes burned. Despite a year of violence, no comprehensive solution has been achieved. The ongoing “Manipur Protection Rally” sees hundreds of thousands joining to pray for peace and stability in the region.
