The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, India, which ignited on May 3, has resulted in Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking a four-day visit to the region, his first since the eruption of hostilities. The unrest, sparked by the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the ensuing ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ was further intensified by controversy over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land. These events have led to sporadic and intensifying violent clashes, notably between militants and security forces, pushing the death toll to 80.
Shah’s mission in the northeastern state is centred on the restoration of peace and security, as he convened a high-level security review meeting in Moreh, a border town between Manipur and Myanmar. This engagement highlighted his commitment to mitigating the conflicts and facilitating a peaceful resolution to the contentious issues plaguing the state.
During his visit, the Union Home Minister ensured that he connected with the affected communities directly.
He visited a relief camp in Kangpokpi, where he interacted with members of the Kuki community and assured them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace. Shah also visited a similar relief camp in Imphal, inhabited by members of the Meitei community. Here, he reiterated the government’s resolve to reinstate peace and harmony in Manipur and expedite the return of displaced people to their homes.
These commitments were not confined to promises of peace; practical support measures were also discussed. Shah assured that the supply of essential items in hill areas would continue unabated, and helicopter services for emergency needs in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi would be facilitated.
Key to Shah’s peace-building initiative was engaging in discussions with various civil society organisations and community representatives from different parts of Manipur, including Moreh and Kangpokpi.
These included meetings with the Kuki Students Organisation, Kuki Chiefs Association, Tamil Sangam, Gorkha Samaj, and the Manipuri Muslim Council in Moreh. The delegates from these meetings extended strong support for the government’s efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
In Imphal, Shah held a security review meeting with senior officials of the Manipur Police, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and the Army. Emphasising the importance of peace and prosperity in Manipur, he directed strict action against activities that disrupt peace. These meetings were marked by assurances of peace from the Meitei and Kuki groups, reflecting a mutual commitment to work towards the restoration of normalcy in the conflict-ridden state.
Meanwhile, Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, has taken measures to tighten security. He urged the public to surrender weapons looted from security forces, threatening legal action against illegal possession of arms and ammunition. The Chief Minister also appealed against roadblocks hindering the free movement of security personnel and relief material, asserting that they obstructed the swift response of security forces to attacks by armed groups.
In this multifaceted effort to restore peace, the Union Home Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to engage directly with the affected communities, listen to their concerns, and act decisively to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. The engagements and commitments made during this visit represent the first steps towards reconciliation and a peaceful resolution to the conflicts that have beset the state since early May.