A delegation led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge today submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and arson in Manipur. The Congress Party refrained from indulging in blame games and emphasized the urgent need for effective action to address the deteriorating situation in the state.
During a press conference in New Delhi, Jairam Ramesh, a prominent party leader, informed the media about the submission of the memorandum to President Murmu. Ramesh highlighted the twelve demands put forth by the Congress delegation, including the establishment of a high-level inquiry commission headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court Judge.
The demands presented by the Congress Party include firm and sustained efforts to control violence, measures to confine militant groups and disarm armed civilian factions, and ensuring security in villages near the foothills to maintain peace. The party also called for the rehabilitation of displaced persons, dignified compensation for the victims, identification of the deceased, and tracing missing individuals. Additionally, they stressed the importance of education for children in relief camps and the need to restore trust between communities through reconciliation and dialogue.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio dispatched a substantial consignment of relief materials, including food grains and medicine, to Kangpokpi district in Manipur. The consignment was received by the District-level Relief Committee in the presence of Minister Nemcha Kipgen and MLA Haokholet Kipgen at Brig. M. Thomas ground in Kangpokpi.
In response to the crisis, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized that the situation in Manipur is not related to counter-insurgency but is primarily a clash between two ethnicities. He stated that the challenges in Manipur have not disappeared and will take time to resolve, and efforts are being made to bring stability and save lives.
As the Congress Party puts forward its demands and seeks the restoration of peace, normalcy, and harmony in Manipur, the focus remains on finding effective solutions and addressing the urgent needs of the affected communities.
Amit Shah assures permanent political solution for tribals
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a closed-door meeting with leaders of Zo-Kuki civil society organizations, tribe leaders, and intellectuals from Manipur’s violence-affected Churachandpur district. The district has been severely impacted by the ongoing violence in the state.
Upon arriving at the 36 Assam Rifles helipad, Shah proceeded to the 27 Sector Assam Rifles at Tuibong. Along the way, demonstrators formed a human chain, displaying placards advocating for separate administration and expressing their concerns for survival.
According to Indian Express, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, said that Shah has assured a “permanent political solution” for the tribals of the state while asking for 15 days of peace.
“As requested, we will maintain peace. But we have to defend ourselves if we are being attacked,” the tribal spokesperson was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
Sources revealed that Shah’s promises included the formation of a judicial inquiry commission led by a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in select cases without the participation of state officers, direct benefit transfers for rehabilitation and compensation, the dispatch of relief materials to the state, and the establishment of helpline numbers in Imphal and Churachandpur to address rumors.
Furthermore, it was reported that Shah assured the attendees that he would revisit Manipur for three days in both June and July. His itinerary includes a visit to Moreh scheduled for Wednesday.
