Imphal, June 18: Union home minister Amit Shah underscored the importance of coordinated approach to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi on Manipur violence and said that the forces would be increased if required and directed strict action against the perpetrators of violence.
He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs will talk to both the groups, Meiteis and Kukis, so as to bridge the ethnic divide, at the earliest.
Shah directed the officials to ensure that no further incidents of violence takes place in the northeastern state.
He also stressed the deployment of the central forces to restore peace in Manipur.
Shah also reviewed the situation in relief camps, especially with respect to the proper availability of food, water, medicines and other basic amenities.
He directed the state Chief Secretary to ensure proper health and education facilities for the displaced people and their rehabilitation.
He further directed that strict action must be taken as per law against the perpetrators of violence.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Army chief, General Manoj Pande, Army chief-designate Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, Advisor to the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, state Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and senior officials of Army and MHA were present at the meeting.
Around 1000 tribals belonging to the Kuki and Hmar communities took shelter at the homes of relatives and friends in two villages – Haokippunji and Hmarkhawlienin – in the Cachar district of southern Assam, after violence broke out.
Meanwhile, additional CRPF troopers have been deployed in the interior areas of Manipur’s Borobekra subdivision to maintain peace and tranquility.
