Imphal – Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on March 29 that President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur at the “right moment” to restore stability, as the strife-torn state witnesses a gradual return to normalcy after months of ethnic violence. Speaking in an event, Home Minister Shah revealed that both the Meitei and Kuki communities have initiated direct peace talks, signalling a potential breakthrough in the prolonged conflict.
No Reason for Concern Now: Shah Confident of Peace
Home Minister Shah emphasised that the central government’s decision to impose President’s Rule on February 9 came only after ensuring both warring factions were ready to accept central intervention.
“Normal life has resumed. The Home Ministry has held separate meetings with both communities, and they have also started direct discussions. Things are gradually moving in a positive direction, and there is no reason for concern now,” Home minister Shah stated.
The Home Minister’s remarks follow the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, after which President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 356, citing the state government’s inability to function constitutionally. Since May 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in violent clashes between the Meiteis, predominantly from the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribes from the hill districts. The unrest, sparked by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has claimed over 260 lives and displaced tens of thousands.
Security forces unearth major arms stockpile in Bishnupur
Even as political efforts to broker peace intensified, security forces conducted a massive search operation in fringe areas of Bishnupur district, uncovering a staggering cache of weapons and explosives.
Acting on intelligence inputs, joint teams combed Naranseina and Sunusiphai villages, recovering:
– Firearms: 1 Excalibur Rifle, 1 Carbine Machine Gun, 2 Sniper Rifles, 2 Pistols (including a Russian-made one)
– Ammunition: Over 80 live rounds of various calibers
– Explosives: 1 No. 36 Hand Grenade, 15 packets of Power Gel explosive, 2 IEDs (3.420 kg)
-Tactical Gear: 17 Bulletproof Helmets, 26 BP Plates, 10 BP Jackets
– Communication Devices: 1 KENWOOD wireless set, 3 BAOFENG WT sets
The recovery underscores the scale of militarization in the conflict zones, raising concerns about lingering threats despite the ceasefire efforts.
As Manipur holds its breath, the coming weeks will test whether the newfound dialogue can translate into enduring stability—or if the specter of conflict still looms over the state’s fractured hills and valleys.
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