In an effort to address the prevailing crisis situation in Manipur, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Manipur late Monday, held a series of high-level meetings and interactions with civil bodies on Tuesday. The discussions centered on formulating effective measures to tackle the challenges faced by the state, which continues to burn with fresh violence taking place every day since May 3.
Soon after reaching Imphal on Monday night, the home minister held a closed-door meeting with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren and cabinet ministers. The meeting served as a platform for in-depth deliberations on the situation at hand, aimed at devising strategies to restore stability and alleviate concerns.
On Tuesday, Amit Shah met several representatives of the valley-based civil societies, including the Meira Paibis, at Raj Bhawan and the CM's Secretariat in Imphal. The interactive session with the civil bodies provided an opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, facilitating an exchange of ideas and perspectives.
"Held a meeting with a group of women leaders (Meira Paibi) in Manipur. Reiterated the significance of the role of women in the society of Manipur. Together, we are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state," Amit Shah tweeted after the meeting on Tuesday.
After meeting the civil bodies, the Union Home minister headed for Churachandpur, one of the districts severely affected by the situation, to engage in a meeting with CSOs operating in the area. This crucial engagement aims to gather on-ground insights and better understand the challenges faced by the affected communities, official sources said.
The home minister has additional meetings planned for the evening, emphasising the government's commitment to address the issues comprehensively.
He is expected to address the press on Wednesday. During the press conference, he will provide updates on the evolving situation in Manipur, offering valuable insights into the government's initiatives, progress made, and future plans, the official sources said. They added that this proactive step highlights the significance of transparent communication and ensures the public is well-informed.
With Amit Shah's visit to the state and strategic approach, the government said it aims to bring about positive change, restore stability, and alleviate the concerns faced by the people of Manipur.
Despite heavy deployment of central and paramilitary forces in violence-ridden areas of the state, imposition of curfew and internet shutdown, violence and arson continued in several parts of the state, particularly in the fringe areas of Imphal valley.
As violence continued unabated in the state, the Manipur government on Monday announced that it will not allow social media platforms to host any information that it identifies as “fake, lies, rumours or misinformation,” which can worsen the prevailing law and order situation in the state.
An order issued by the State Home department warned that the government would not hesitate to act as per law against those found involved in such activities.
The measure is being taken following reports that a number of individuals in responsible positions with large followings on social media were observed to be directly involved in generating or sharing information found to be fake news, lies, rumours or misinformation in connection with the ongoing law and order situation in Manipur, it stated.
Generating such wrong information has the potential to worsen the current situation in the state by misguiding public opinion, instigating violence, and rebelling against state authorities with or without the use of arms, leading to death, casualties on bodies, destruction, and damage to properties, thereby hindering efforts of the government to restore peace and normalcy, it stated.
It advised the public to verify any information before sharing or publishing it on any social media platform or through any medium, by means of any tool whatsoever, whether physical, virtual, audio-visual, or electronic.
The order further mentioned that the generation or spreading of wrong information will amount to sedition and is sought to be curtailed.
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