The central government will soon announce a judicial probe into clashes in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday. A retired high court chief justice will lead the investigation, he added. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, he also said that a peace committee will be set up. The panel will be headed by Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey and comprise representatives of all political parties, Kuki and Meitei communities as well as social organisations.

“Dialogue is the only solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur,” Shah said. He also announced that the CBI will investigate the FIRs alleging five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur. “Violence was a temporary phase; misunderstandings will go away...the situation will soon be normal,” he added. The home minister said an Inter-Agency Unified Command will also be formed for “better coordination” among all security agencies in Manipur as multiple forces are working on the ground.