Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed worry about the evolving nature of violence in the northeastern state. The concern stems from the shift of violence and civil unrest from peripheral areas to districts in the Imphal Valley.
After his return from New Delhi, Chief Minister Singh informed reporters that he briefed Amit Shah about the current situation in Manipur and highlighted that both the state and central governments have been prosperous in controlling the violence to a large extent.
During their meeting, Shah raised various issues, including attacks on the houses of Union Minister RK Ranjan Singh and state minister Sushindro Meitei, the ongoing arson and destruction of government properties, and hindrance to the movement of security forces. Chief Minister Singh presented a report detailing the measures the state government took to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Singh acknowledged that the initial violence phase had solid political undertones but expressed concern over the current chaotic situation. He emphasised the need for all stakeholders, including civil bodies, MLAs, and political leaders, to come together and identify areas of collaboration.
The meeting between Shah and Singh took place after the home minister chaired an all-party meeting in New Delhi to address the situation in Manipur. Various political parties, MPs from the northeast, and regional chief ministers participated in the conference, where Shah reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been closely monitoring the state’s situation and guiding efforts to find a solution.
Meanwhile, fresh incidents of violence continue to occur in Manipur, with reports of a shop being set on fire in Chingmeirong, Imphal West district. The state has witnessed ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 100 fatalities. The clashes initially erupted in response to a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Manipur’s population consists of approximately 53% Meiteis, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, while Nagas and Kukis, comprising around 40%, primarily inhabit the hill districts.