Amit Shah appeals for peace from both sides and cautioned people against failing for rumours
Nirendra Dev- New Delhi / Imphal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah today announced a judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired Chief Justice of a High Court into recent violence in Manipur. He appealed for peace from both sides and cautioned people against failing for rumours.
Close on the heels of Home Minister Amit Shah’s four-day visit to violence-hit Manipur, the state DGP P. Doungel has been replaced. IPS officer Rajiv Singh will be the new police chief in the northeastern state where tribal-non tribal conflict between Meiteis and Kukis and other smaller Zo community tribes has left over 70 dead.
Thousands have been rendered homeless and over 7000 have taken shelter in Mizoram where Kukis share ‘ethnic bond’ with the native Mizos and Hmars of Mizoram.
At a media conference in Imphal, Amit Shah announces a CBI probe to investigate ‘five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur’.
He said on Thursday, June 1, that the Central government would strictly monitor the activities of militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement and take strong action against any violation of the Agreement.
He also said he discussed several ways with the stakeholders to bring positive change and restore peace
and normalcy in Manipur.
The Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement between centre and Kuki armed groups has already run into rough weather
On the face value, Amit Shah ‘saves’ Chief Minister N Biren Singh only partially; as he announced the Peace Committee under Manipur Governor. Only consolation for Biren Singh is … that he has been ‘retained’ and during the media conference, the Chief Minister sat on Shah’s right hand side !!
Addressing a press conference, Shah said that the government is committed to restoring peace in Manipur as soon as possible and ensuring the return of those rendered homeless to their homes. “Manipur has remained calm since BJP came to power in the state (2017). We have ensured development and welfare for people,” he said.
The peace committee under Manipur Governor Ms Anusuiya Uikey with all political parties, and representatives from both sides will be set up, Shah said.
The Union home minister has held a series of high-level meetings and interaction with representatives of both the warring communities, Kuki and Meitei, during his visit to the worst-affected districts, including Imphal and Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Moreh.
“Dialogue is the only solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur,” Shah said adding, “We will soon announce a judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice”.
The Home Minister also announced that a CBI probe will be instituted to investigate five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur.
He, however, also said, “Violence was a temporary phase, misunderstandings will go away … the situation will soon be normal.”
The Union Home Minister also told newspersons that he felt for a permanent solution to the Indo-Myanmar border issue, the fencing on the border between the two countries will need to be completed.
There are apprehensions that the porous border is being used for drug smuggling and for movement of militants. Shah said biometrics of people coming from neighbouring countries are being collected.
Shah called the Manipur High Court’s order, which asked the state government to submit a recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community, as a hasty decision which led to a conflict between the Kuki and Meiti community in Manipur.
He claimed that after BJP which came to power in Manipur some six years back had ensured the northeastern state had remained free of bandhs, curfews, etc., till the recent bout of ethnic clashes, which he said was the result of a misunderstang and a hurried judgement. The High Court had recently asked the government for its views on the issue of granting a community scheduled tribe status.
Meanwhile, three police personnel were injured in a gunfight with suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Bishnupur district last night, officials said on Thursday.
The army and police forces are conducting state-wide search operations for hidden arms.