Shah’s Manipur Visit: Restoring Normalcy Amidst Tension

The recent surge of violence in Manipur has drawn national attention, leading Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make a four-day visit to assess the situation and take necessary steps to restore order. The visit follows incidents of violence that resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a Manipur Police Officer. In a related development, houses belonging to a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA were vandalised, and over 1,000 arms and ammunition were reportedly looted by a mob from various armouries in the state.
The unrest was triggered by ethnic tensions between the Kuki and the Meitei communities over the demand for the inclusion of Meitei/Meetei in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, which culminated in a rally on May 3. This was organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) in response to an April 19 Manipur High Court directive.
The violence escalated over the past 48 hours, with state and central security forces responding to the situation by eliminating more than 30 suspected Kuki militants. The Indian Army has apprehended 22 miscreants allegedly involved in torching over 200 houses in various villages, seizing various weapons and war-like stores in the process. As the situation continues to deteriorate, fierce encounters are underway between suspected Kuki militants and security forces in different regions of the state.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh revealed that about 40 “terrorists” have been neutralised so far in the security operations. He further noted the government’s commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the state. However, with reports of mobs looting all arms and ammunition from several Manipur Rifles’ armouries, the challenge to achieve this is significant.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit, starting on Monday, is a critical step in the government’s efforts to restore order. Sources indicate he will be involved in numerous security meetings during his stay to evaluate the situation and devise strategies for peace restoration. Earlier in May, Shah had conducted a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including representatives from both the Meitei and Kuki communities, to discuss potential measures for ensuring peace in the state.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, asserted that the Centre is fully supporting Manipur and is confident about the situation “returning to normal”. This support is vital as the state grapples with the aftermath of the violent clashes, aiming to establish peace and justice amidst the prevailing chaos.
In spite of the tense scenario in Manipur, there are efforts to focus on national progress and development. Pramanik mentioned the inauguration of the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express service, which he expects will boost tourism and contribute to regional development. This optimism, however, is not mirrored in the political sphere, with 21 opposition parties boycotting the inauguration of the new Parliament building. Despite this, Pramanik urged all parties to unite for the country’s development, indicating the continued focus on progress and growth amidst the unrest.
Shah’s visit comes amidst a time of deepening crisis and his actions could significantly impact the course of the situation. It was in early May when he reviewed the situation via a video conference meeting with the Chief Minister and top officials of Manipur as well as the Centre. He also held two meetings with the Chief Ministers of Manipur and neighbouring states including Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam, to garner a wider understanding of the situation and to plan collaborative responses. The central government has given its assurance of complete support and help to ensure lasting peace.
This pledge is evident in the Indian Army’s recent actions. On May 28, they mobilised to establish multiple Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCP) and undertake search operations in several villages in the hilly region of Imphal East District, responding to specific intelligence about armed miscreants planning house burnings. In a notable success, the army reported the apprehension of 22 miscreants, and the recovery of five 12-bore double-barrel and three single-barrel rifles, local weapons, and war-like stores.
Despite the palpable tension, Chief Minister N Biren Singh exuded confidence while addressing the media at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, stating that around 40 terrorists have been eliminated so far. “We have taken strict action,” he declared, reinforcing the government’s commitment to quell the unrest.
Yet the complexity of the situation is undeniable, with ethnic tensions simmering beneath the immediate clashes. To address this, Shah stressed the importance of expediting the process of relief and rehabilitation to minimise the suffering of the people. He also urged discussions with all factions and encouraged spreading the message of peace.
While the Union Home Minister is embarking on his critical mission, other initiatives continue to move forward, aiming to bolster the country’s progress. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Pramanik, took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the new Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express service. The express service is expected to enhance tourism and make New Jalpaiguri a significant tourism hub, offering a glimpse of positivity amidst the conflict.
However, Pramanik’s words were not without a dig at the opposition. While inviting them to come together for the country’s development, he criticised their decision to boycott the inauguration of the new Parliament building, urging them not to be stubborn. The situation in Manipur, the tense political atmosphere, and the launch of the new train line show a country in flux, balancing crises with progress.
As the Home Minister’s visit to Manipur commences, the country awaits to see how his presence and actions may influence the path towards restoring peace and order in the violence-ridden state. Amidst the unrest, the hope remains that dialogue, cooperation, and decisive action will prevail over conflict and strife.