Manipur: 60 People Killed, Will Conduct High-Level Inquiry To Fix Responsibility For Violence, Says CM

"I appeal to people to bring peace and calm to the state. Transportation of stranded persons to their respective locations has started," Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Source : Getty

After the death toll in the ethnic violence that has engulfed Manipur has risen to 60, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday stated than a high-level inquiry will be conducted "to fix responsibility on persons/groups who instigated the violence and government servants who didn't meet their responsibilities," news agency ANI reported. 

He further appealed people to not spread misinformation and rumours. "Till now, 35,655 persons including 1593 students moved to safer locations," he added. 

Speaking with reporters, CM Biren stated: "Around 60 innocent people have lost their lives, 231 people suffered injuries and around 1700 houses burned down in the unfortunate incident of May 3. I appeal to people to bring peace and calm to the state. Transportation of stranded persons to their respective locations has started," news agency ANI reported. 

"All those persons stranded at different locations in Manipur are being provided best possible care and support in safe locations and shelter camps. Till now, 20,000 stranded persons have been evacuated. Around 10,000 people remain stranded. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been monitoring the situation from the day of the incident till today. He has sent many companies of Central forces," CM Biren further stated. 

Till now, 20,000 stranded persons have been evacuated. Around 10,000 people remain stranded. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been monitoring the situation from the day of the incident till today. He has sent many companies of Central forces: Manipur CM N Biren Singh pic.twitter.com/4Wj0G061Bb

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2023

Last Wednesday, clashes between Meiteis and tribals erupted in the Churachandpur district. Following the Manipur High Court order, which directed the state government to send a recommendation to the Centre within four weeks on the Meitei community's demand for ST status, tribals are opposing reservation for Meiteis.

Violence erupted in Manipur during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organised by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The march was held in response to an April 19 Manipur High Court decision calling for the inclusion of the state's Meitei population under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.

SC Tells Centre & State To Step Up Relief After Violence

Concerned about the massive loss of life and property, the Supreme Court asked the Centre and the Manipur government on Monday to step up relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by ethnic violence in the north-eastern state, as well as protect places of worship, many of which were targeted during the mayhem.

While outlining the efforts taken to address the issue, the Centre informed a bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud that no untoward occurrences had been recorded in Manipur in the last two days, and that the situation was progressively returning to normality.

Over 23,000 individuals have been evacuated and housed in military and humanitarian camps. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)