Imphal: On June 27, A. Sharda Devi, the chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to call for urgent intervention to bring a lasting solution and peace to the state, which has been plagued by ongoing unrest and violence.
Ms. Devi, whose three-year tenure as party president concluded on the same day, stressed the urgent need for resolution and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). She communicated the desires of the Manipur people and expressed gratitude for the efforts being made to address the crisis.
In a post on X, Ms. Devi stated, "Conveyed the people’s aspirations and urged immediate attention to bring permanent solution and tranquillity to the State, while appreciating the ongoing efforts. Additionally, highlighted the need for resettling IDPs and providing maximum support for smooth rehabilitation. He [Amit Shah] assured that the Centre is aware of the delicate situation on the ground and committed to uplifting the people’s aspirations.”
This meeting followed shortly after the Home Minister reviewed the security situation in Manipur with state government officials in Delhi on June 17, a meeting notably absent of the Manipur Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a significant Meitei civil society organization in Imphal, organized a mass rally on June 28 to protect the state's integrity. Thousands from various communities and tribes from Manipur’s valley districts participated, demanding the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) with Kuki militants, and opposing any separate administration as demanded by various Kuki organizations, including 10 Kuki MLAs in the state.
Other key demands included:
Equal combing operations in both hill and valley regions. Protection of Manipur’s territorial and administrative integrity. Establishment of buffer zones along international boundaries, not within Indian districts. Since violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, over 220 people have been killed, more than 70,000 displaced, and over 10,000 homes burned. Despite a year of turmoil, no comprehensive solution has been reached. The ongoing “Manipur Protection Rally” sees hundreds of thousands joining to pray for peace and stability in the region.
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