Manipur ethnic violence: Amit Shah announces Judicial and CBI investigations

Imphal, Jun 01, 2023, IANS

In response to the month-long ethnic violence in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a series of measures aimed at restoring peace and ensuring justice in violence-hit Manipur.

During his four-day visit to the strife-torn state, Shah declared the initiation of a judicial probe led by a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, as well as a CBI investigation into six specific cases.

Shah emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues in Manipur.

He revealed plans to establish a high-level peace committee, to be chaired by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, which will include representatives from all sections and communities affected by the violence.

"The central government will closely monitor the judicial inquiry and the CBI investigation into the six specific cases," Shah stated during a press conference in Imphal.

As part of the effort to restore security and stability, Shah announced the formation of a joint security command, to be led by Chief Security Advisor to Manipur, Kuldiep Singh (a retired IPS officer and former CRPF Chief).

This command will be responsible for impartially overseeing all security-related operations.

To enhance administrative support in Manipur, the Home Minister disclosed that a Joint Secretary and five director-level officers will be deployed by the central government to supervise and address the ongoing crisis in the state.

In recognition of the urgent need to address the humanitarian aspect of the situation, the central government has pledged to provide an additional 30,000 metric tons of rice.

Furthermore, concerted efforts will be made to ensure the uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, cooking gas, essential commodities, vegetables, and other necessary items.

A stern warning was issued by Shah to the Kuki militants, who signed a Suspension of Operation agreement with the government on August 22, 2008.

He cautioned that strict action would be taken by the security forces against any violation of the provisions outlined in the agreement.

In a bid to expedite the judicial process, the Home Minister expressed the government's intention to establish a circuit bench of the Manipur High Court in the tribal-dominated districts of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.

Additionally, Shah assured the public that the supply of essential items in the hill areas would be ensured. Helicopter services will also be made available for emergency needs in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi districts.

During his visit, Home Minister Shah engaged in over two dozen meetings with key stakeholders, including Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, top security officials, representatives from approximately 40 Civil Society Organizations, women's and youth bodies, prominent tribal leaders, retired security officials, and intellectuals.

Furthermore, Shah convened an all-party meeting with 11 political parties in Imphal, where he directed the heads of all security agencies to take swift and decisive action against armed miscreants, ensuring the prevention of violence and the recovery of looted weapons.

The primary objective is to restore normalcy in Manipur as soon as possible.(Edited)