With approximately 120 lives lost and over 3,000 individuals injured since the outbreak of ethnic clashes, the meeting aimed to address the urgent need for resolution and devise effective strategies to restore peace in the troubled state.
In a significant development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during an all-party meeting held on Saturday, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis in Manipur. Shah emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has been diligently monitoring the situation since its inception and providing guidance with utmost sensitivity to find a comprehensive solution.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Shah shared encouraging updates, stating that the situation in Manipur is gradually returning to normalcy, with no casualties reported since June 13 in the violence-stricken northeastern state. He expressed the Modi government's resolute determination to address the Manipur problem by fostering inclusivity and consensus among all stakeholders, according to PTI reports.
Highlighting the Prime Minister's unwavering dedication, Shah reiterated that Prime Minister Modi has been continuously monitoring the situation in Manipur and providing invaluable guidance throughout the process. The Home Minister stressed the government's primary focus on preventing further loss of lives due to violence in the state.
The ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3 has resulted in the unfortunate loss of nearly 120 lives and left over 3,000 individuals injured. The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have also resulted in the destruction of numerous homes, leaving many displaced.
During the meeting, which lasted for four hours at the Parliament House complex, opposition parties, including the Congress, advocated for the formation of an all-party delegation to visit Manipur. Some parties further demanded the immediate removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the imposition of President's rule in the state, which is currently governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The gathering witnessed the participation of 18 political parties, including the BJP, alongside four Members of Parliament from the northeast and two chief ministers from the region. Home Minister Amit Shah assured all attendees that the central government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to restore peace in Manipur.
BJP's Manipur in-charge Sambit Patra conveyed that the restoration of peace in Manipur is being pursued under the prime minister's explicit instructions. Patra further revealed that Shah highlighted the constant communication between himself and Prime Minister Modi, discussing the situation and receiving instructions, underscoring their unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis.
Shah emphasized that all political parties contributed their suggestions during the meeting, demonstrating sensitivity and a non-partisan approach to restore peace in Manipur. The central government expressed its openness to consider these suggestions with an unbiased outlook.
Opposition parties have been critical of the central government's handling of the Manipur situation and have voiced concerns regarding the prime minister's perceived silence on the matter. In response, Shah assured that the government is dedicated to addressing the issue with the utmost sensitivity.
To ensure the safety and security of the region, Shah informed the attendees that 36,000 security personnel, including 40 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, have been deployed in Manipur. Additionally, 20 medical teams have been dispatched to provide essential healthcare services. Authorities have also successfully recovered 1,800 looted weapons, highlighting the government's efforts to restore stability.
Shah underscored the government's commitment to maintaining the supply of essential items, including medicines, in Manipur. Notably, significant progress has been made in the fencing work along the Myanmar-Manipur border, with a 10-kilometer stretch already completed. Tenders for an additional 80 kilometers of border fencing have been finalized, and a survey is currently underway for the remaining section.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of Prime Minister Modi and the government, Shah commended all political parties for their valuable suggestions in resolving the Manipur issue. BJP President JP Nadda echoed similar sentiments, assuring that the central government and Home Minister Shah are actively working towards a swift resolution.
Nadda acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's continuous vigilance on the matter since its inception, emphasizing the sensitivity required in handling the delicate Manipur issue. He acknowledged the historical factors underlying the conflict and expressed optimism that peace will soon be restored in Manipur.
The all-party meeting witnessed the participation of leaders from various political parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, AIADMK, Aam Aadmi Party, and Left parties. Several leaders presented their concerns and viewpoints in a sensitive manner, rising above political affiliations.
During a press conference held alongside senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh stressed the importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur. Ramesh emphasized the need for the central government to ensure the availability of essential commodities by maintaining the uninterrupted functioning of the national highways.
Singh presented an eight-point charter of demands on behalf of the Congress, calling for immediate action on relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, and livelihood initiatives for the affected people. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current relief package, stating it to be grossly inadequate.