MANIPUR: In a string of events that began on May 3rd, Manipur has become a battleground, witnessing violent clashes that originated during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU). The protest stemmed from the demand to include Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Tragically, over the course of a month, the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed more than 120 lives, leaving over 3,000 injured.
However, amidst this turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerged on Sunday as people from all walks of life converged in Koon Sunday for a candlelight march. Their purpose was to pray for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the neighboring state of Manipur. Organized by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Convention Centre, the march featured participants holding placards that conveyed messages of peace, tranquility, healing, and understanding between the warring communities. Above all, they fervently prayed for the speedy restoration of normalcy in Manipur.
To shed light on the current situation, here are the top 10 updates:- Over the past 24 hours, police and central security forces destroyed 12 bunkers allegedly constructed by militants in various districts of violence-hit Manipur. Tamenglong, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Kakching districts were subjected to search operations, resulting in the demolition of bunkers both in the Hill and the Valley, as reported by the Manipur police.
Curfew violations, theft in abandoned houses, arson cases, and other offenses have led to the arrest of 135 individuals in connection with the ongoing unrest in Manipur. The Manipur police's statement reveals that a total of 1,100 arms, 13,702 ammunitions, and 250 different kinds of bombs have been recovered thus far. Meanwhile, flag marches, area domination, and cordon and search operations continue throughout the state.
In an effort to maintain peace and public order, the Manipur government has extended the ban on internet services for an additional five days, until June 30th.
At an all-party meeting, Amit Shah assured the restoration of peace in Manipur while opposition parties raised concerns over PM Modi's perceived silence on the matter. The home minister conveyed that PM Modi has been diligently monitoring the situation since its inception and has been providing guidance with utmost sensitivity to find a resolution. This three-hour-long meeting was attended by eighteen political parties, four MPs from the northeast, and two chief ministers from the region.
Shah also stated that the situation in Manipur is gradually returning to normalcy, with no reported deaths since June 13th. To aid in this process, 36,000 security personnel have been deployed in Manipur, accompanied by 40 IPS officers, ensuring the provision of essential supplies, including medicines.
Former chief minister and Congress leader Ibobi Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with the all-party meeting, claiming he was not given sufficient time to address the Manipur situation. Singh raised several probing questions that he deemed embarrassing to the government.
Criticizing the central government's handling of the situation in violence-hit Manipur, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that while the state is engulfed in flames, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains silent, Home Minister Amit Shah proves ineffective, and Chief Minister N Biren Singh is non-functional. Ramesh made these accusations during a national convention on peace in Manipur at the Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, where leaders from various political parties addressed the audience.
Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi has expressed her concern over the unprecedented violence that has ravaged the lives of people in Manipur, leaving a deep wound in the nation's conscience. She called upon all stakeholders to work together towards the restoration of peace and harmony in the state. The Congress party has been vocal about the situation in Manipur ever since the violence erupted in the BJP-ruled state.
In a gesture of solidarity, the Madhya Pradesh government has responded to the Manipur government's request by allowing students from the violence-affected areas of Manipur to submit their college admission documents in offline mode. Due to the internet outage in certain regions, Manipuri students were facing difficulties in accessing online admissions. This decision ensures that the admissions process is not hindered for these students.
On June 24th, security forces launched an operation based on specific intelligence in the village of Itham, located in the Imphal East district. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 12 KYKL cadres, along with the seizure of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores, as reported.
The situation in Manipur remains a complex and evolving challenge. The efforts of various stakeholders, from government officials to concerned citizens, signify the collective desire for peace and stability in the region. As the journey towards restoration continues, the hope for a unified and harmonious Manipur persists in the hearts of its people.
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