Centre to form judicial commission to investigate Manipur violence

Imphal: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a judicial commission will be set up to investigate the recent Manipur violence. It will be headed by a retired Chief Justice of the High Court.

On the last day of his four-day visit to Manipur, Amit Shah met people and visited temporary relief camps.

Addressing a press conference in Imphal, the minister said a peace committee will also be constituted under the chairmanship of the Governor of Manipur in which representatives of all sections will be included.

An ethnic clash erupted on 23 May in Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal community from the surrounding hills, including the Kuki and Zo peoples. More than 70 people died in the violence and hundreds were left wounded.

Mr. Shah expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the violence and appealed to all sections to not pay heed to rumours but maintain peace and promote harmony.

“Under the relief and rehabilitation package by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur, an amount of Rs. 10 lakhs will be given through DBT to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence,” said Mr. Shah.

Inter-agency unified command

An inter-agency unified command would be set up under the chairmanship of security advisor Kuldiep Singh for better and non-partisan coordination among all agencies working to maintain security in Manipur, the minister said.

A total of six cases, including five identified cases from all registered cases and one case of general conspiracy, are said to be investigated by the special team of CBI. The cause of the violence will be investigated without any bias and discrimination and strict action will be taken to punish the guilty to prevent such incidents, Mr. Shah said.

Uninterrupted supply of essential commodities

Mr. Shah said to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Manipur, the Central government has sent 30,000 MT of rice over and above the prescribed quota. Apart from this, arrangements have also been made for the supply of gas cylinders, petrol, and vegetables.

“The supply of essential commodities to Manipur from the rest of the country would also be ensured by setting up a temporary platform at Khongsang railway station. Also, temporary helicopter facility is being started from Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi, which will provide transport facility to the airport and remote places at a charge of Rs. 2,000 per person only,” said Mr. Shah.

Out of eight medical teams formed by the Centre, three have reached Manipur and five will reach soon. These teams will provide health facilities in Moreh, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi areas.

Education for students will continue

To ensure that competitive examinations and the education system continue without any interruptions, the officials of the Central ministry of education along with the officials of the Manipur education department are preparing a concrete plan to arrange online education, examinations, and distance education, which will be ready within two days.

Necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate appearing before the Manipur High Court from Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi through virtual medium.

“The trial work on fencing 10 kms border along the Myanmar and Manipur border has been completed, while the tendering process for 80 kms fencing work is also completed and the survey for fencing on the remaining border area is underway. The biometric and eye impressions of people coming from neighbouring countries are also being taken so that no one can incite violence in the region,” Mr. Shah added.

Surrender weapons

Mr. Shah said people should surrender their weapons to the police as strict action will be taken against those found possessing weapons during the combing operation by the police. He appealed to all civil society organisations and said it is time to establish peace and promote harmony in society.