Manipur Violence: “Surrender weapons,” Amit Shah warns rioters

Imphal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the government will take up various measures to bring the conflict in Manipur to an end.

Addressing the media at the CM Secretariat Shah announced the territorial integrity of Manipur will be protected.

He said a Committee headed by Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey will be formed to work for the return of peace.

Representatives from various sections of the society and community will be included in the committee. An enquiry will be conducted by a Retired Chief Justice of a High Court which will enquire about the events in Manipur.

He issued a warning to Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SOO) not to violate ground rules. Strict action will be taken up if rules are violated, he said.

Shah also appealed to all to surrender arms which were looted away from various places and combing operations will start from tomorrow to recover the arms and ammunition.

Inter Agency Unified Command headed by Kuldeep Singh will be working in the state from today itself and it will help in coordinating the different agencies operating in Manipur, Shah said.

Several cases were filed and to look into conspiracy theory CBI will start a probe, he further said.

Probe will be conducted in such a way that such clashes do not occur in Manipur again he said.

He also said Rs 10 lakh ( Rs 5 lakh each by centre and state ) will be given by direct transfer for all those who died.

An additional 30000 MT of rice in consignment of 15000 MT each will be arriving soon. Gas, essential items, petroleum products, vegetables will be brought in and sold in various outlets.

Some petrol pumps will start operating 24 x 7 to meet the demand and Khongsang railway station about 106 km from Imphal in Tamenglong district will store the goods brought in from other states.

Works have started to construct platform/storehouse near the station which will be completed within a week, he said. A relief package for the affected will also be announced on Friday, he said.

Eight medical teams will be arriving to help people in Churachandpur, Moreh and Kangpokpi areas and if needed medical teams can also be brought in to Imphal he said.

Officials of the Education Department from the centre have reached the state and they will work out the requirements with state officials.

Virtual court activities will be carried out for people living in Churachandpur, Moreh and Kangpokpi areas and a helicopter service at a nominal fee of Rs 2000 for each passenger will be provided for people of the three areas for internal transport to reach the airport.

Officials of different government agencies will be stationed in Manipur. To resolve the conflict fencing in about ten km of the international border was completed and work for another 80 km will start soon. Biometrics and other measures will be taken up to identify outsiders he said.

After violence started at Churachandpur district on May 3 the state is still facing clashes in most parts of the state between two ethnic groups. Amit Shah said the crisis started after a court verdict was misunderstood.

After his arrival on June 29 last he met representatives of various political parties, civil societies and met people at relief camps, he said.

The response from all including affected people was positive and all talks centred around restoration of peace and tranquillity. Internet facilities will be provided after restoration of peace, he said. (UNI)