New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting Manipur and stay for about three days in view of the prevailing law and order and socio-political conflict in the northeastern state.
Shah's junior colleague in the Home Ministry, Nityanand Rai made the announcement at a media conference in Imphal on Thursday.
Mr Shah yet again appealed for peace in Manipur."Amit Shah will take stock of the prevailing situation in Manipur and will stay on from May 29 to June 1," Nityanand Rai said.
For his part, Shah also stated that - "There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I would appeal to both groups, they should maintain peace, and justice will be done with everyone. I will myself go to Manipur after a few days and will stay there for three days to talk to people of Manipur for establishing peace".
Despite repeated appeals and efforts by the central forces, there have been no let up in theoverall situation and over 7000 people have already taken shelter in nearby Mizoram.
The conflict is between Meiteis and Kukis and other smaller tribes from the Zo family. The people who havemoved to Mizoram and are taking shelter in key hubs like Kolasib and Aizawl share ethnic bond with Mizos.
One person was shot dead and houses were set on fire as fresh ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, officials said on Thursday.
At least 70 people have lost their lives and thousands rendered homeless and have been 'displaced'.
The violence was sparked on May 3 during a protest by Kuki tribals who are opposing ST status to Meteis.
The High Court had also favoured such status but the Supreme Court has disapproved any directives from the High Court on the matter.
On May 23 night, reviving violence once again, Meiteis allegedly burned down three Kuki villages in Bishnupur district. The hamlets are Phoisanphai (near Kwakta), P.Gelmol and Gangpibul (near Tronglaobi).
Sources said Curfew relaxation has been withdrawn since May 23 and restrictions have been reimposed in Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West and Jiribam districts in view of the deteriorating situation.
In some places, people have been advised to take special permission in case of emergencies and for persons who want to take out procession for marriage and funerals.
The centre has taken measures promptly ever since the trouble started on May 3.
Some 250 Kuki people are taking shelter in the Medziphema area of Nagaland lately and the state government, other agencies and various groups have extended humanitarian assistance by supplying rice and some essential commodities.
The firefight between security forces and some Meitei groups has added to further tension.
Four security force personnel were reportedly injured in a gun battle in Kamjong district on Wednesday.
An irate mob vandalised PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam’s residence located at Ningthoukhong Bazar under Bishnupur district on Wednesday, local reports said.
Sources quoting reports from various agencies including from the state government headed by N Biren Singhsaid there have been growing involvement of some armed groups in the poppy business. Hence, the nexus of thedrug mafia is not ruled out in an atmosphere wherein there is large scale starvation for cash.
Sources said demonestisation in 2016, overall economic crisis and GST in 2017 and introduction of digital payments by the Modi government have affected the 'cash business' of militant groups across the north east region.
Hence, involvement of some groups in money spinning poppy business is certainly a strong possibility, sources said.
In January this year, the Manipur government had submitted a report to the centre and therein it spoke about the need for combining the 'War on Drugs' campaign along with the anti-deforestation drive especially in areas of poppy cultivation.
One source said, "What really should raise eyebrows and send warning signals is that the poppy cultivation is on rise in the north eastern states as youths are generally getting frustrated and are looking for viable job avenues".
The Golden Triangle comprising Laos, Thailand and Myanmar is a major corridor of drug production and supply
in South East Asia. Moreover, Myanmar is very close to states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh
An estimated 50,000 people have been killed in Manipur since the 1950s in various typesof conflicts.
Such conflicts including between tribals and non-tribals have waned lately.
The BJP and its allies are in power in the state since 2017.
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