Amit Shah directs firm actions on armed miscreants in Manipur

Imphal, May 31, 2023, IANS

Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, conducted a high-level security review meeting in Manipur on Wednesday night in which he instructed the heads of all security agencies to take firm and prompt actions against armed miscreants.

The objective is to prevent further violence and recover the looted weapons, with the aim of restoring normalcy in Manipur as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday, Shah made visits to two districts, Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi, both of which have been affected by the recent bouts of violence.

During these visits, he engaged in a series of peace talks with leaders from various civil society organizations, influential figures, and security officials.

Originally scheduled to depart from Imphal on Wednesday night, the Home Minister has decided to extend his stay in the strife-torn state and may return to New Delhi on Thursday.

The high-level meeting, which took place at Raj Bhavan, was attended by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, as well as top police, paramilitary, and armed forces officials.

The focus of the meeting was to review the security measures implemented by various forces in order to restore normalcy to the state.

Furthermore, Shah visited several relief camps located in Imphal, Tengnoupal, and Kangpokpi, where individuals from different communities, including Meitei, Kuki, and others, have sought shelter since the eruption of ethnic violence on May 3.

During his visit, he assured that the supply of essential items to the hill areas would continue and that helicopter services would be made available for emergency requirements in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi.

Taking to Twitter, the Home Minister stated, "Visited a relief camp in Kangpokpi and met with members of the Kuki community. We are committed to restoring peace in Manipur as early as possible and ensuring their safe return to their homes. In Imphal, I visited a relief camp where members of the Meitei community are residing.Our resolve remains steadfast in bringing Manipur back to the path of peace and harmony, and ensuring their swift return to their homes."

Shah arrived in Imphal on Monday night and has since conducted over two dozen meetings with the aim of curbing the ethnic violence that has plagued the state, resulting in at least 75 fatalities and over 300 injuries.

Moreh, located 110 km from Imphal, serves as one of the oldest international trade points in India along the border with Myanmar, with the city of Tamu situated on the other side.

The India-Myanmar Friendship Bridge connects Moreh to Kalewa in Myanmar's Sagaing Division. For many years, people from various communities, including Tamils, Nepalis, Biharis, Rajasthanis, Bengalis, Punjabis, as well as Meitei and Kuki, have been living together in this area.

However, following the outbreak of violence, thousands have fled and sought shelter in several areas, including inside Myanmar, after their homes were set ablaze.

The border town of Moreh has been significantly affected by the recent ethnic hostilities. During his visit to the two districts, Shah met with affected families and participated in peace talks.

Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of firing between security forces and suspected militants have been reported from different districts. An exchange of fire took place in Litanpokpi village in the Imphal East district, resulting in the injury of a civilian.

Another gunfight between militants and security forces was reported from Sugnu in Kakching district on Tuesday night.(Edited)