The state cabinet decided to give ex gratia payments of Rs 5 lakh to the relatives of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh to those who sustained significant injuries, and Rs 25,000 to those who had minor injuries and Rs 2 lakh will be paid to those whose houses were destroyed and the government will rebuild them, according to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was speaking at a press conference today.
The racial conflict that has wracked the northeastern state for the past three days resulted in 60 fatalities, 231 injuries, and 1,700 homes, including temples and churches have been burnt down during the violence, according to CM N Biren Singh.
“These are very very unfortunate incidents. I appeal to people to bring peace together at the earliest,” Singh said.
“In the wake of the unfortunate incident that happened in Manipur, more than 20,000 people who were left stranded in relief camps have been moved to safety till today. Another 10,000 more stranded people will be transported to safety as soon as possible…. Human lives are precious and destroying homes and properties are unacceptable,” Singh said.
The chief minister said 1041 guns were looted from security force personnel, out of which 214 have been recovered.
He asked those who looted the guns to return those to the nearest police station, failing which a ‘mass combing operation’ will be launched.
According to him, the administration has taken a number of actions to assist those who have become trapped in Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts of the state.
A cabinet panel has been formed to look after the movement of the stranded people to their respective places, he said.
“The SPs have been directed to identify vulnerable areas and ensure round-the-clock provision of full-proof security and protection for land and property, in the absence of their owners. They have been directed to take immediate action as per law against persons attempting to loot or occupy such land and property,” Singh said.
The situation in Manipur is fast returning to normal, says Kuldeep Singh, Security Advisor to the chief minister. He told the sources that 218 FIRs were registered against unsocial elements who were involved in riots.
After Tribal Solidarity March was arranged in 10 hill districts on 3 May to protest against the Meitei community’s desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) designation, violent conflicts erupted in the northeastern state, resulting in at least 54 fatalities.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Tribals like Nagas and Kukis form another 40 per cent of the population and live in the hill districts.