Amit Shah to hold talks with Manipur leaders, visit riot-hit Churachandpur

During his visit to Manipur to restore peace in the conflict-affected region, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will engage in a succession of meetings with political and civil society leaders representing the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Additionally, he will also visit Churachandpur as part of his itinerary.

As reported by PTI, Shah, who flew into Imphal last night accompanied by the home secretary, had held a meeting with chief minister N Biren Singh, as well some of his cabinet colleagues, intelligence and security officials on Monday late night to take stock of the situation.

According to sources, during the meeting, various relief measures were discussed along with strategies to enhance supplies in order to stabilize the prices of essential commodities in Manipur.

The prices had risen significantly due to the escalation of ethnic violence earlier in the month. It is also reported that Kuki leaders and MLAs, who had relocated to neighboring states, may be brought back for discussions with the Home Minister.

The Kuki community has been advocating for a separate administration in the districts where they reside. In the absence of such an arrangement, they have also called for the imposition of President's rule in the state.

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic conflicts for almost a month, and on Sunday, there was a sudden increase in clashes and gunfire between militants and security forces, following a relatively calm period lasting several weeks.

The death toll from clashes since ethnic rioting began on May 3 has gone up to 80 according to officials.

Army and paramilitary personnel have been conducting combing operations in the Imphal valley and surrounding districts, an official said. The Army operation is aimed at confiscating illegal caches of arms, he said.

Ethnic clashes, first broke out in Manipur after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of smaller agitations.

Approximately 53 per cent of Manipur's population consists of Meiteis, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley.

The remaining 40 per cent comprises Nagas and Kukis, who are tribal communities residing in the hill districts. To restore peace and stability in the state, a substantial force of over 10,000 personnel from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other paramilitary forces was deployed, including approximately 140 columns.

(With inputs from PTI)