Imphal: The Centre and state governments announced Monday a Rs 10 lakh compensation package for all those killed in the current sectarian crisis in Manipur. A member of the family of those who died in the riots will also be provided with a job. Nearly, a hundred people have been killed on both sides of Meeteis and Kukis during the crisis which began on May 3 in Churachandpur, which is a Kuki dominated district.
The decision was made after a closed-door high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Shah is currently on a three-day visit to the state in an effort to restore peace and stability.
During the meeting, officials also decided to set up dedicated telephone lines to dispel rumour-mongering, which they claim has largely affected de-escalation efforts.
Essential items such as petrol, LPG gas, rice, and other food products will also be made available in large quantities to cool down prices as Manipur witnesses soaring inflation.
Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan said that the situation in Manipur had nothing to do with counter-insurgency and was primarily a clash between two ethnicities.
“The challenges in Manipur have not disappeared, and it will take some time, but hopefully, they should settle down,” Chauhan said, adding that the Indian Armed Forces are helping the state government.
Earlier, Amit Shah, who arrived at the state capital in an Indian Air Force plane, was received at the airport by chief minister Biren Singh and his cabinet colleagues, the DGP, and civil and military officials.
After his arrival, Shah immediately proceeded to the office of the chief minister and held a closed-door meeting, which was also attended by the Union Minister of State for Home, Council of Ministers, Sambit Patra, National Spokesperson, BJP, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary (Home), Government of India, Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of Intelligence Bureau (DIB), Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, and Security Advisor. With agency inputs
