New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah calls for an all-party assembly on June 24th, accessing the ongoing situation in Manipur. However, congress termed it as “too little, too late” and claims that the actions of advocacy for peace and reconciliation between warring factions will lack seriousness if they are done sitting in Delhi.
Congress General secretary KC Venugopal claims that the whole country expects a grave intervention from the Central government. He mentions that Amit Shah has excessively delayed, as 50 days have already passed and numerous people have died due to the destruction and rampage, and the government only felt the urge of doing something when Sonia Gandhi spoke to the people of Manipur. He claims that the Prime Minister’s absence from this situation displays his cowardness and unwillingness to confront his failures.
The Situation in Manipur is getting out of hand as the violence between the two communities Kuki and Meitei are getting sharpened, the explosions and accidents are reported in different districts of Manipur recently on Wednesday night.
Worsening Conflict Points to Impending Civil War in Manipur
Almost two months after being engulfed by ethnic turmoil, Manipur is on the verge of what many perceive as an imminent civil conflict. Confrontations between the Meitei and Kuki communities, constituting the majority, have resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left more than 400 injured.
Roughly, 60,000 people have been dislocated and found shelter in nearly 350 camps. Approximately 40,000 security forces- army soldiers, paramilitaries, police- are trying to curb the violence. The misunderstanding between the two communities has worsened, both are accusing the military for being partisan. Nearly 200 temples and 17 churches have been destroyed or rampaged by mobs.
The absence of confidence has created a notable division, leaving lawmakers and ministers from the ruling party, who represent both communities, unable to establish common agreement.
Ministers are also not spared as their homes are attacked too and set on fire. Everyday life for the people has been crumbled, night curfew has been established in most of the 16 districts.
A primary route for transporting resources has been obstructed by protesters. There are sporadic instances of violence resulting in loss of life and arson. The federal government’s proposal for a peace panel to broker a ceasefire has been met with a tepid reception. Life in Manipur has become a nightmare for the people.
Amit Shah’s Efforts To Restore Peace
Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister inspected Manipur, he went for four days last month. During his stay there he visited diverse groups of people and struggled to restore peace and tranquility in the northern eastern state.
The Home Minister urges an appeal for a 15 day peace in Manipur in a conference with Kuki Civil Society groups in Churachandpur district, a fellow member of the Kuki tribe said.
A declaration from the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed that, during a review gathering with senior officials of the Manipur police, central armed police forces, and the Army, the Minister underscored that “maintaining peace and fostering prosperity in Manipur is the highest priority.” The Minister additionally instructed them to rigorously handle any activities that disturb the peace.
So far roughly 120 people have lost their lives and over 3000 people are wounded.
