Imphal: Stating that a judgement of Manipur High Court on April 27 on inclusion of Meeiteis on Scheduled Tribe list had led to the present sectarian violence in Manipur, Union Minister Amit Shah.
He further informed that the Central government has constituted a committee to investigate the incidents of violence, which has claimed over hundred of lives and properties worth crores of rupees reduced to ashes.
The probe committee will be headed by a retired chief justice of high court, Amit Shah said, while also stating that a separate special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team will investigate six cases of violence that hint at a conspiracy.
The governor of Manipur will also head a peace committee with members of civil society from both the affected communities. The panel will look into the reasons for the violence to identify who was responsible for it, Shah, who concluded a four-day visit to the state, stated here on Thursday.
The Union Minister assured that the investigations will be carried out without any bias and discrimination and the guilty will be punished.
While appealing to the people with weapons to hand them over to the concerned authorities immediately, the Union minister said combing operations in the violence-hit areas will begin tomorrow.
Shah assured of strict action to be taken against those who violate the SoO (Suspension of Operations) ground rules.
“I urge citizens of Manipur to not pay heed to fake news. Strict actions will be taken against anyone violating the SoO agreement. Those carrying weapons must surrender before the police. Combing operations will start from tomorrow and if weapons are found with anyone, strict actions will be taken.”
Shah said that Central Education ministry officials will reach the state and will have discussions to provide uninterrupted education facilities to students. Online education and examination will be held as per plan, he said.
The Home Minister highlighted that a rehabilitation package and special provisions will be put in place to ensure that students do not lag behind in exams and studies.
“The next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence will be given Rs 5 lakh by the central government and Rs 5 lakh by the Manipur government as ex-gratia. This amount will be transferred to the victims through DBT. Special medical officers will ensure medical facilities in areas hit by violence,” he said.
An additional 30,000 MT of rice in a consignment of 15,000 MT each will be arriving soon. Gas, essential items, petroleum products, and vegetables will be brought in and sold in various outlets.
Some petrol pumps will start operating 24×7 to meet the demand, and Khongsang railway station, about 106 km from Imphal in Tamenglong district, will store the goods brought in from other states.
He said work has started to construct a platform/storehouse near the station, which will be completed within a week. A relief package for the affected will also be announced on Friday, he said.
Virtual court activities will be carried out for people living in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi areas, and a helicopter service at a nominal fee of Rs 2000 for each passenger will be provided for people in the three areas for internal transport to reach the airport.
The Home Minister expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in the recent violence in the state.
“On behalf of the Government of India, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and on my own behalf, I express my deepest condolences to all those who have died in the recent violence. It is natural for all of us to feel sad when a citizen of the country dies,” said Amit Shah.
On Wednesday, the Union Minister also visited Moreh in Tamenglong district and Kangpokpi district headquarters, where he met senior members and leaders of civil society organisations.
