Panel formed to probe Manipur violence: Amit Shah
The Centre has constituted a panel led by a retired high court judge to investigate the wave of violence that has engulfed Manipur for nearly a month, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday. Six incidences of violence will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the state government will form a peace committee headed by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, Shah added.
Why does this story matter?
Shah arrived in Manipur on a four-day visit that ended on Thursday, weeks after ethnic violence erupted between tribal groups and the Meiteis over the latter's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. While tribal groups have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre and state government of systemic failure and backing the Meiteis, the government insists the clash is only between two communities.
Will ensure impartial probe: Shah
Over 2,000 arms looted from government armory
Warning of stern action, Shah asked militants to return the weapons they looted from state security forces. Chief Minister N Biren Singh echoed the concern and urged people not to block roads or hinder the movement of security forces. Earlier, the Indian Army and paramilitary personnel carried out combing operations in the Imphal Valley and surrounding districts to recover the looted arms and ammunition.
Strict action against violation of SoO: Shah
Shah also warned against violating the terms of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Signed in 2008, the tripartite SoO agreement between the Centre, state government, and 25 of the 30 Kuki insurgent groups is aimed at initiating political dialogue. The agreement binds all parties not to launch any operations. However, in March, the state government withdrew from the agreement with two Kuki groups.
Kuki groups supported BJP in election
Kuki insurgent groups have been demanding an independent homeland for decades. Before the Manipur elections in 2022, Shah promised to resolve the issues of the Kukis if the BJP was voted to power. Following this, several Kuki groups officially announced their support for the BJP.
Unrest over eviction of villagers exacerbated violence
Reportedly, the state government withdrew from the SoO agreement, accusing the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) of "influencing agitation among forest encroachers." The Tribal Solidarity March, which triggered the statewide violence, was preceded by unrest over the state government classifying tribals as squatters on government land. CM Singh earlier vowed action against Kuki protesters, calling them "not militants, but terrorists."
