Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that the government will initiate dialogues with both the Meiteis and Kukis to address the ethnic divide in Manipur promptly. He also instructed security forces to ensure that “no further incidents of violence occur in the state.”
Chairing the first high-level meeting on Manipur since the re-election of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month, Shah emphasized the need for strategic deployment of central forces to restore peace and stability in the region.
According to The Hindustan Times, the meeting, attended by key officials including Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Tapan Deka, Army Chief designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt. Gen P C Nair, Chief Secretary of Manipur Vineet Joshi, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh, focused on reviewing the security situation.
Notably, absent from the meeting was Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
During the comprehensive two-hour session, Shah reviewed the security scenario in Manipur and issued directives to prevent any further violence, as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“The Home Minister stressed the strategic deployment of central forces to restore peace and tranquility in Manipur. He emphasized that forces will be increased if required. Furthermore, he directed strict legal action against the perpetrators of violence,” the statement added.
Regarding the government’s plans to engage with both sides of the conflict, the MHA stated, “The HM underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict.”
“He mentioned that the MHA will engage with both groups, Meiteis and Kukis, to bridge the ethnic divide at the earliest,” it continued.
Highlighting the Centre’s continuous support to enhance security measures in Manipur, Shah assured officials of the government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding all residents.
In addition to discussing deployment strategies, the Home Minister assessed the situation in relief camps, emphasizing the importance of ensuring adequate provisions such as food, water, and medical supplies.
He directed the Chief Secretary to oversee the provision of essential services, including healthcare and education, for displaced individuals and their rehabilitation.
Since May 3 last year, Manipur has been plagued by clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities, resulting in at least 225 fatalities and displacing approximately 50,000 people, many of whom continue to reside in relief shelters.
Amit Shah’s directive to ensure peace in Manipur is a crucial step towards resolving the ethnic tensions. The government’s commitment to dialogue and strategic deployment of forces underscores its dedication to restoring stability. It’s imperative that both sides engage constructively to bridge divides and prevent further violence.
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