New Delhi: In an effort to foster peace and reconciliation among various ethnic groups in Manipur, the Union government has constituted a Peace Committee, with state governor Anusuiya Uike appointed as its head. The committee comprises key members including the chief minister, state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and leaders from different political parties. It also includes representatives from civil service, education, literature, art, social work, and different ethnic groups.
The committee’s primary mandate is to facilitate a peace-making process, encouraging peaceful dialogue and negotiations between conflicting parties/groups. Its aim is to strengthen social cohesiveness, mutual understanding, and cordial communication among the diverse ethnic groups in the state. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement outlining the committee’s objectives.
This development follows the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the recent outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur. The CBI has re-registered six FIRs related to the incidents of violence, including destruction of property, arson, loss of lives, and looting of arms and ammunition. The SIT, headed by a DIG rank officer and comprising 10 members, will conduct a thorough investigation.
During his visit to the state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced the CBI probe and the formation of the peace-making committee. The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized on May 3 in the hill districts to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community. Tragically, the clashes resulted in approximately 100 deaths and numerous displacements.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that 310 people were injured, and there were 4,104 cases of arson. The number of registered FIRs stands at 3,734, with Imphal West district leading with 1,257 FIRs, followed by Kangpokpi with 932 and Bishnupur with 844.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 10/06/23