Biren, Himanta discuss security issues
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 23 2024:
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh discussed security issues along the Jiribam-Cachar inter-state boundary with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, an official said on Sunday.
Following incidents of ethnic violence in Manipur's Jiribam in the first week of June, many people from the state have taken refuge in adjoining Cachar district in southern Assam.
To discuss the security situation along the inter-state boundary, Biren Singh, along with senior minister L Susindro Singh, left for Guwahati on Saturday evening, the official said, adding that CM Biren returned to the state on Sunday.
The two CMs are reportedly discussed coordination among police forces to effectively deal with militants active along the inter-state boundary, he said.
Sarma had on Saturday asked officials concerned to ensure there is no spillover of Manipur's ethnic violence into Assam and that all humanitarian aid is provided to the people seeking refuge from the neighbouring state.
Tight vigil is being maintained along the Assam-Manipur inter-state boundary and patrolling and area domination is being conducted, a police officer said.
Jiribam, which has a diverse ethnic composition of Meeteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis and non-Manipuris, had so far remained unaffected by the ethnic strife that has been raging in Manipur since May last year.
The ethnic conflict between Meeteis and Kukis has led to the deaths of over 200 people, and rendered thousands of people homeless.
CM Biren was also in New Delhi recently for critical high-level discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing ethnic violence in which has left the state in turmoil.
Sources confirmed that CM Biren arrived in Guwahati on Saturday before departing for New Delhi early Sunday morning.
The visit comes on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent security review meeting, which included top security officials such as the Army Chief, the designated Army Chief, the chief of the Intelligence Bureau, and local military and paramilitary commanders.
Additionally, Home Minister Shah has already consulted with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, receiving a detailed report on the state's security and humanitarian conditions.
CM Biren's presence in New Delhi has fuelled speculation that pivotal decisions regarding Manipur's future may be imminent.
(With inputs from PTI) .