Manipur: Shah seeks coordinated response

NEW DELHI: Amid renewed violence in Imphal and Jiribam, Union home minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the security situation in Manipur. The meeting aimed at addressing the ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities and find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Shah's review followed a meeting with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, who briefed him on the current law and order situation. Shah emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to resolve the conflict, ensuring that the Centre will engage with both groups to bridge the ethnic divide swiftly.

During the comprehensive review, Shah instructed officials to prevent further incidents of violence and assured an increase in Central force deployment if necessary. He also directed strategic deployment of forces to restore peace and called for strict legal action against those responsible for the violence.

The home minister highlighted the government's commitment to the safety and security of all citizens in Manipur. He reviewed conditions in relief camps, and pointed to the need for adequate food, water, medicines, and other basic amenities. Shah directed the state's Chief Secretary to ensure proper health and education facilities for the displaced and their rehabilitation.

Top security officials provided a detailed briefing on the situation, while representatives from the Manipur government assured Shah that adequate forces were deployed in areas affected by the recent violence. Notably, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was absent from the meeting, while Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi represented the state.

Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande, Army Chief-designate Lt Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior officials were present at the hour-long meeting.