Manipur: Judicial panel to probe violence, says Amit Shah

On Thursday Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Central government will constitute a judicial probe committee headed by a retired high court chief justice in order to investigate clashes that erupted in ManipurWe will soon announce a judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice and set up a peace committee said Amit ShahDuring his press conference on Thursday he stated that a peace committee under the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey which will have representatives of all political parties besides representatives from both Kuki and Meitei communities and social organisations will also be set upDialogue is the only solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur Amit Shah addedThe Home Minister also announced that a CBI probe will be instituted to probe five criminal conspiracies and one general conspiracy behind the violence in Manipur He mentioned Violence was a temporary phase misunderstandings will go away the situation will soon be normalEthnic clashes broke out in Manipur nearly a month ago after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised to protest the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe ST status After a relative lull for over a fortnight the state witnessed a sudden spurt in clashes and gunfights between militants and security forces on SundaySo far over 80 people have been killed in the violence according to officialsAmit Shah concluded his fourday visit to Manipur on Thursday June 1 He assured the people of Manipur that the investigations will be carried out without any bias and discriminationSeveral agencies are working in Manipur to investigate violent incidents Highlevel CBI probe in six incidents of violence that hint at a conspiracy We will make sure that the investigation is fair Shah saidShah said assured of strict action to be taken against those who violate the SoO agreement Suspension of OperationI urge citizens of Manipur to not pay heed to fake news Strict actions will be taken against anyone violating the Suspension of Operations SoO agreement Those carrying weapons must surrender before the police Combing operations will start from tomorrow and if weapons are found with anyone strict actions will be takenShah also highlighted a rehabilitation package and special provisions to ensure that students do not fall back on examsThe next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence will be given Rs 5 lakh by the central government and Rs 5 lakh by the Manipur government as compensation This amount will be transferred to the victims through DBT Special medical officers will ensure medical facilities in areas hit by violence he saidDuring his visit Shah also visited various parts of Manipur including Imphal Moreh and Churachandpur and met with representatives of the Meitei and Kuki communitieswith inputs from agencies