Amit Shah calls all-party meeting on June 24 over Manipur violence

THE TIME PRESS: The meeting may take place in Delhi at 3 p.m., according to a tweet from the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday. In the ongoing violence in the northeast State, more than 50,000 people have been displaced and over 100 have died.

The meeting was announced after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Mr. Shah late on Wednesday.The Home Minister had visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1 and met Kuki and Meitei representatives. Mr. Shah later tasked Mr. Sarma to carry forward the dialogue with the two groups even as violence continued in the State despite an appeal for peace by the minister. Mr. Shah will be in Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh on June 22 and he is expected to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 23.Several members of legislative assembly (MLA) from Manipur are camping in Delhi expecting to meet prime minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Modi is on a two-nation visit to U.S and Egypt from June 21-26.The delegation comprising the Meitei MLAs met defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sambit Patra, BJP incharge of Manipur.

What actually happened in Manipur?

Manipur is a state in north-eastern India that witnessed violent inter-communal clashes in May 2023. The main reason for the clashes was the demands of the Meiteis, who are the majority in the valley region that they are included in the category of Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India. This would provide certain benefits and privileges, such as retention of government services and education, and access to forest land. However, indigenous hill tribes like the Kuki-Jofo are opposing the demand, fearing violation of their rights and wealth and alleging that the Meitei-dominated state government has neglected their development and security.

On May 3, a meeting of Manipur Akhil Janajatiya Chhatra Sangh (Etsum) turned violent in Churachandpur district bordering the valley. Rioters attacked homes, cars, mosques and churches on both sides, killing and wounding people. The violence soon spread to other districts like Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. The Indian Army and paramilitary forces were deployed to restore law and order and a widespread curfew was imposed. Internet service was also suspended for five days to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation.

According to officials, at least 98 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in the violence as of June 14. More than 26,000 people have been temporarily displaced and 46,000 evacuated. The state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the agitation led by a retired chief justice. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will also investigate six cases of conspiracy in violence.

Congress Parliamentary party chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi on ManipurViolence :

”The unprecedented violence that has devastated lives of people in Manipur has left a deep wound in conscience of our nation I am deeply saddened to see people forced to flee the only place they call home I appeal for peace and harmony. Our choice to embark on path of healing will shape the kind of future that our children will inherit”

https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1671503401983569920?s=20

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