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Imphal:Home Minister Amit Shah was on a four-day visit to restore peace in violence-hit Manipur. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Shah appealed to the people to maintain peace and said that a retired high court judge will conduct an inquiry into the violence. A committee will be formed for this. Apart from this, 6 cases related to violence will be investigated by the CBI. "Strict action will be taken wherever required to restore peace in Manipur. Ointment will be applied where there is a need for ointment. Help will be provided where there is a need."
Home Minister Amit Shah also made several announcements to provide immediate help to the violence-affected people. He said that the violence has taken place here due to a hasty decision of the Manipur High Court. On April 29, the High Court had issued orders to consider the inclusion of the Maitei community in the ST category.
Amit
Shah asked the people of Manipur not to pay attention to rumors. Those who possess weapons will have to surrender to the police. The search operation will start from Friday. If anyone is found carrying a weapon, strict action will be taken against him. Shah further said that a peace committee will be formed under the chairmanship of Manipur Governor. We want to assure that there will be no bias in the investigation.
The central government had entered into an agreement with two cookie groups - United People's Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) - in 2008. Under this, 24 armed cadres of 2200 rebel groups were surrendered. However, these people did not hand over their weapons. It is believed that these weapons were openly used in the current violence.
The
Home Minister announced that a peace committee will be formed under the chairmanship of the Governor. Manipur-Myanmar border will be sealed. Biometric registration of people coming from neighboring countries will be done. A judicial commission of retired judges of the chief justice level of the high court will investigate the violence.
Meanwhile, there has been a major reshuffle in the police leadership. Police Chief P. Dongle has been removed. Now Rajiv Singh has been appointed in his place.
Amit Shah said, "The Manipur government will give 10 lakh rupees to those killed in the violence and 5 lakh to the central government. At the same time, the Ministry of Home Affairs will issue a relief package for those injured in the violence and those whose property has been damaged.
More steps have been taken by the Center to provide relief to the
affected people. A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the families of the deceased. It has been announced to provide 10,30000 tonnes of rice. Gas, petrol and vegetables will be supplied. 15 petrol pumps will be open for 24 hours. Eight teams of medical experts, including 20 doctors, will be sent to Manipur. These teams will help people in violence-affected areas. Five teams have reached Manipur and three more will arrive soon.
Apart from this, preparations are also being made to operate schools through online medium in violence-affected areas. The exams will also be held on schedule. Train services will resume in Manipur in two-three days. Virtual courts will also be set up in Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi so that there is no delay in getting justice to anyone. Apart from this, helicopter service will also be provided to people in hilly areas for just Rs 2000.
Violence has been going on in
Manipur since May 80. Violent clashes took place on Sunday in Seru and Sugnu areas adjoining the capital Imphal. In this, 3 people including a policeman were killed, while 5 were injured. So far, about 12 people have lost their lives due to violence in the state. The reason for the recent violence in Manipur can be attributed to the Maitei reservation.
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