Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed his concerns regarding the evolving nature of violence in Manipur. Shah is particularly worried about the shift of violence and civil unrest from peripheral areas to the districts in the Imphal valley, reported news agency PTI.
Speaking to reporters after returning from New Delhi, Singh stated, "Amit Shahji is deeply concerned about the changing pattern of violence, which has transitioned from armed clashes in peripheral areas to civil unrest in the valley districts." He further highlighted that the state and central governments have been successful in significantly containing the violence.
During his visit to the capital, Singh briefed Shah about the ongoing situation in Manipur and presented a comprehensive report detailing the measures taken by the state government to restore peace and normalcy. The Chief Minister shared that Shah raised issues such as the recent attacks on the residences of Union Minister of State for External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh and state minister Sushindro Meitei, as well as the continued destruction of government properties and hindrances faced by security forces, the PTI report stated.
Singh emphasized, "The initial phase of violence had strong political and sensitive undertones, but the current situation has become extremely chaotic." He added that Amit Shah assured him of the central government's commitment to taking all necessary steps to restore peace in Manipur.
The Chief Minister urged all stakeholders, including civil bodies, MLAs, and political leaders, to collaborate and identify areas where collective efforts are needed. Singh's comments came following a meeting between him and Shah, which took place after the Home Minister chaired an all-party meeting in New Delhi to discuss the Manipur situation. The meeting lasted for three hours and saw the participation of 18 political parties, four MPs from the northeast, and two Chief Ministers from the region.
During the all-party meeting, Amit Shah informed the attendees that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation in Manipur from the beginning and providing guidance with utmost sensitivity to find a solution.
Meanwhile, fresh incidents of violence continue to occur in Manipur. Army sources reported a recent case in which unidentified individuals set fire to a shop in Chingmeirong, Imphal West district, past midnight.
The ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has resulted in over 100 casualties. The clashes initially erupted on May 3 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts, held in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Manipur's population comprises approximately 53 percent Meiteis, who predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while the remaining 40 percent consists of Nagas and Kukis, who are primarily located in the hill districts.