Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, on the final leg of his visit to Manipur on Thursday, outlined a series of measures aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region and emphasised the importance of adhering to the ground rules established for militant groups operating under the SoO agreement.
The Union minister said that the Central government would strictly monitor the activities of militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreement and take stringent action against any violation of the Agreement.
"Militant groups under SoO who defy the ground rules will face stringent action... Vigorous surveillance will also be done to ensure strict compliance,” Amit said while addressing the media at the chief minister's secretariat in Imphal before leaving after his three-day visit to the state to assess the prevailing law and order situation and restore normalcy.
To investigate the causes behind the communal unrest that ignited on May 3, a high-level enquiry committee, led by a retired chief justice of a High Court, will be formed, he said.
The committee's mandate will be to identify the miscreants responsible for instigating the unrest and determine the underlying causes, he added.
He further informed that the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) will handle the investigation of six FIRs related to the ongoing crisis, including one general conspiracy case.
In order to enhance security coordination and oversee the situation, security advisor Kuldiep Singh will lead the Inter-Agency Unified Command, he maintained.
This unified command will work towards restoring normalcy and maintaining better coordination among security forces, he added.
Emphasising the significance of dialogue as the only viable solution to resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur, Amit Shah said efforts to restore normalcy have already begun, with meetings held between various stakeholders, including 22 valley-based CSOs and 25 Kuki CSOs besides visiting relief camps.
Additionally, high-level meetings with top officials from central and state security forces, 11 political parties, cabinet ministers, and MLAs have taken place to address the crisis comprehensively, he added.
Stating that the Manipur borders have been secured by security forces to prevent the entering of illegal immigrants, he said facial recognition system and biometric system will also be introduced in the state shortly.
Meanwhile, 10 km fencing work in the border area has been completed, tender has been put up to start another 80 km long fencing work and survey is in process for the remaining border areas with Myanmar, Amit Shah said.
To prevent shortages of essential commodities, the government has expedited the construction of the Khongsang railway platform, which is expected to be completed within five-six days, he said, adding this will facilitate the transportation of essential commodities to the region.
Furthermore, 15 oil pumps will be opened day and night to ensure continuous supply of fuel, he added.
The Union Home minister maintained that to foster peace and inclusivity, a peace committee will be formed under the leadership of the governor of Manipur and the committee will bring together all stakeholders to address the ongoing crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution.
He announced that the families of those who lost their lives during the crisis will receive compensation of Rs 10 lakh each, and a special package for relief and rehabilitation will be announced soon.
Internet services, which were suspended since May 4, will be restored once normalcy is regained, he said, further informing that the ministry of Education has sent a team to ensure that aspiring candidates for competitive examinations have access to online examination facilities.
Efforts are being made to provide alternative arrangements for students to prevent any disruption to their education, he added.
He also announced plans to initiate special helicopter services from Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Moreh to Imphal Airport.
In an effort to recover looted arms, a combing operation will be launched on Friday, the Union minister said, urging individuals in possession of such arms to surrender them voluntarily to avoid undesirable consequences. He also announced his intention to revisit the state later this month.
The measures announced by Home Minister Amit Shah before heading back to the national capital aimed to restore peace, stability, and normalcy in Manipur, and address the underlying causes of the communal unrest that has gripped the region. The government's commitment to upholding peace and security in the region remains steadfast as efforts are made to bring about a lasting resolution to the crisis, he said.
"Our resolve remains focused on leading Manipur back to the track of peace and harmony once again and their return to their homes at the earliest," Shah said in a Twitter post after his visit to the relief camp at Akampat, where the members of the Meitei community are residing.
All the present violent situation in the state happened due to a judicial decision taken by the High Court of Manipur in a hasty manner, the Home minister added.
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