Amit Shah chalks out plans to bring violence to a permanent end in Manipur

Subhankar Banerjee *

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visit to Manipur on 31st May 2023 :: Pix - PIB Delhi

Strategies adopted by Home Minister Amit Shah to bring violence to a permanent end in Manipur are all-encompassing and bear the imprint of an able administrator.

Setting up a probe panel and a peace committee, sending across a stern warning to the perpetrators and extending a generous hand to make up for the recoverable losses are all the brainchild of the mastermind determined to foster peace and prosperity in the north-eastern state.

Shah set out on a four-day journey on Monday to trouble-torn Manipur, battling ethnic violence. Without delay, he met all senior legislative and administrative heads of state officials and interacted with those who bore the brunt of the violence.

During his stay, Shah had elaborate discussions with representatives of 22 civil society organisations of the Meitei community and about 25 CSOs of the Kuki community, 11 political parties, security groups, sportspersons, communities, students, intellectuals, retired officials and women.

Having faith in Shah, the central government entrusted the Home Minister with the delicate task of mediating with the warring communities. Shah is seen as the ray of hope in these trying circumstances. There are instances galore of Shah’s such acts in the past. Representatives of both sides also showed trust in Shah, who successfully changed their outlook and views on the situation. Shah also addressed their concerns on livelihood and security. Even under these circumstances finer issues like education, court etc did not miss Shah’s people-oriented administrative skill.

Urging the warring communities to shun violence and sit at the discussion table, he reiterated the Centre’s commitment to restoring peace in the state. Unlike in the past, Manipur has been on the path of progress for the last six-seven years riding on a peaceful environment conducive to business and commercial activities. The progress should not be compromised by an obnoxious court decision that would pit one community against the other residing in the state.

“Keep peace from both sides. A new era of development has been ongoing in Manipur for the past six years due to peace. Due to a decision of the court, there has been a slight misunderstanding, resulting in this unrest. I trust that the people of Manipur will discuss and resolve this issue with mutual understanding and bring a quick solution,” Shah said at a press conference on the concluding day of his fruitful tour to Manipur on Thursday.

Headed by a retired judge, a judicial commission will be set up under the chairmanship of the retired Chief Justice of the High Court to investigate the Manipur violence. A peace committee would also be constituted under the chairmanship of the Governor of Manipur, in which representatives of all sections would be included.

Any kind of violation of the Suspension of Operation Agreement, a tripartite ceasefire agreement between Kuki militant groups, the Union government and the Manipur government, signed on August 22, 2008, will be strictly dealt with and will be treated as a breach of the Agreement. Those who are in possession of weapons should surrender them to the police, strict action will be taken against those found possessing weapons during the combing operation by the police, Shah said in no uncertain terms.

The agreements, signed with the primary objective of the pact to initiate political dialogue and bring back militants to the mainstream, should be strictly followed by the concerned parties. Six cases including five identified cases from all registered cases and one case of general conspiracy will be investigated by the special team of the CBI.

“A thorough, in-depth and impartial investigation will be conducted into the Manipur violence. Strict legal actions will be initiated against the perpetrators of violence to ensure that it never recurs,” Shah said in a tweet.

Shah’s attention does not stop there. The humanitarian side of Shah was also palpable as he announced that under the relief and rehabilitation package by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur, an amount of Rs 10 lakh will be given through DBT to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence.

In order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Manipur, the Government of India has sent 30,000 metric tonnes of rice in addition to the prescribed quota, arrangements have also been made for the supply of gas cylinders, petrol and vegetables