Manipur violence: Government announces compensation, jobs for families of deceased
The Centre and the Manipur government on Tuesday announced compensation for families who lost loved ones during the ethnic clashes in Manipur. A compensation of Rs. 10 lakh would be granted to each family by the Centre and the state, in addition to a job. The decision was taken at a meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM N Biren Singh.
Why does this story matter?
On May 3, clashes erupted between the tribals and the Meiteis in Manipur over the latter's demand for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The tribals are concerned that granting the Meiteis the ST status would violate their rights, as they claim to be the marginalized segment of the population. The minority STs (tribals) have land ownership privileges in the state's hills and forests.
State, central governments to bear compensation costs equally: Report
According to India Today, the government announced a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh for each family of the deceased and a job for a family member. Reportedly, the cost of compensation would be borne equally by both the state and the Centre. The decision to announce compensation was taken late on Monday, during a meeting led by Shah and CM Singh.
Shah directs officials to ensure availability of essential items
During the high-level meeting, officials also decided to establish a helpline that will be used to dispel rumors in violence-torn Manipur. Shah also ordered officials to ensure the supply of essential products like petrol, LPG gas, rice, and food items. Shah, along with Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, traveled to Imphal on Monday.
CRPF IG sent to Manipur, may be given key post
Top IPS officer Rajiv Singh, who is currently the inspector general of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been dispatched to Manipur and is expected to be assigned a key post to deal with the state's current security situation, per The Indian Express. Singh, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Tripura cadre, has been transferred for three years on inter-cadre deputation.
Violence escalates as militants, forces exchange fire
Shah arrived in Manipur on Monday amid fresh violence after days of relative calm. On Sunday, militants and security forces exchanged fire, killing two. Per reports, the Indian Army and paramilitary soldiers are conducting combing operations in Imphal and adjoining areas to retrieve weapons and ammunition stolen from government and police armories. Meanwhile, the government extended the internet ban in the state till Wednesday.
Know more about unrest
Over 110 people have reportedly been killed and many have been left homeless since the violence began in Manipur on May 3. Earlier on Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated that overcoming the issues in Manipur would take time. He further claimed the violence was the result of a clash between two ethnic groups and had nothing to do with counter-insurgency.
