Judicial commission to be set up to investigate Manipur violence, peace committee to be formed: Shah.

Imphal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that a judicial commission will be set up under the chairmanship of a retired chief justice-rank judge of a high court to probe the caste violence in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference here after visiting various violence-hit areas of the state for three consecutive days and holding discussions with political parties and social organisations, Shah announced the formation of a peace committee headed by Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey and the families of those killed in the violence. Along with compensation, a relief and rehabilitation package was also announced.

Shah blamed the Manipur High Court’s “hasty” decision for the violence and said, “The only solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur is dialogue.” The misunderstandings will be cleared…situation will return to normal soon.” The Union Home Minister appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumors and maintain peace in the state and also warned militant groups that if they ‘ Strict action will be taken against those found violating the ‘Suspension of Operations (SOO) Agreement’ in any way.

He said, “Any deviation will be strictly taken cognizance of and will be considered as breach of treaty. Adhere to the terms of the agreement.” He said that the police will start a probe from Friday to seize weapons in the state. “What are the reasons for the violence and who is responsible for it… A commission will be set up under the chairmanship of a retired judge of the rank of Chief Justice of the High Court for the investigation.

He said that the Government of India would also constitute a Peace Committee under the chairmanship of the Governor of Manipur, which would have representatives of Kuki and Meitei communities and social organisations, as well as representatives of all political parties and social organizations. An ‘Inter Agency Unified Command’ will be set up under the chairmanship of Kuldeep Singh, retired director general of the Central Reserve Police Force, for better coordination among the various agencies working in the CRPF.

The Home Minister also announced that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe would be launched to probe five criminal conspiracies and one common conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur. He said, “I want to assure all Manipuris That action will be taken to investigate and punish the guilty by going to the root of the violence without any bias or discrimination. At the same time, it will be ensured that such violence does not happen further. On this occasion, the Union Home Minister announced that the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence would be given Rs. An assistance of Rs.5 lakh each will be given.

During this, he also made other relief and rehabilitation related announcements. The Union Home Minister also told reporters that he felt that for a permanent solution to the India-Myanmar border issue, there is a need to complete the fencing of the border between the two countries. There are apprehensions that this open border is being used for drug smuggling and movement of militants. He said that biometrics of people coming from neighboring countries are being collected.

Shah said he visited relief camps, met both Kuki and Meitei civilian groups and discussed the peace process. He claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party, which came to power in Manipur about six years ago, ensured that the Northeast The state remained free from shutdowns, curfew etc. Meanwhile, officials said on Thursday that three policemen were injured in an encounter with suspected Kuki militants in Bishnupur district of Manipur on Wednesday night.

The encounter took place at Tangjeng under Kumbi police station on Wednesday night, he said, adding that the injured have been admitted to a hospital in Imphal. “Heavy firing was also reported from Chanung in Imphal East district. We have not received any casualty from there so far. The army and police are conducting a state-wide search operation for hidden arms caches. Surveillance by drones and deployment of security forces are also continuing, officials said. Shah had said on Wednesday that the government was determined to restore peace in Manipur and ensure that all internally displaced people return to their homes at the earliest.

A day earlier, meeting victims from both Meitei and Kuki communities in the state’s relief camps, he assured them of safety and said the government’s focus was to ensure their safe return home.After ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 The Home Minister is visiting the northeastern state for the first time. Caste violence had erupted in Manipur following the ‘Tribal Unity March’. The ‘Tribal Unity March’ was organized following protests by the Meitei community demanding Scheduled Caste (ST) status on May 3. Manipur has been affected by caste violence for nearly a month and the state has witnessed clashes during this period. An increase has been observed. After weeks of lull, there was exchange of fire between security forces and militants last Sunday. Officials said the death toll in the clashes has risen to 80.

PC:TV9 Bharatvarsh

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