Guwahati, April 3: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said discussions have been held with both communities in Manipur, and the Ministry of Home Affairs plans to convene a joint meeting soon following the imposition of the President’s Rule.

On April 2, Shah moved a statutory resolution seeking approval for the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. The resolution was subsequently adopted by the lower house, with members expressing their respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the recent violence in the northeastern state.

Introducing the resolution, Amit Shah explained that ethnic violence between two communities in Manipur erupted following a Manipur High Court ruling on a reservation-related dispute. He emphasized that the violence should not be categorized as riots or terrorism but as inter-community clashes stemming from the court’s decision. He further assured the House that there had been no incidents of violence in the state for the past four months and that the government had ensured provisions for food, medicines, and education in relief camps.

The Home Minister called for political neutrality on the issue, refuting opposition claims that the violence was a failure of the current administration. He drew historical parallels, highlighting the Naga-Kuki conflict from 1993-1998, which resulted in 750 deaths and sporadic clashes that lasted a decade. He also recalled other instances of ethnic violence, including the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite conflict, which led to the displacement of 40,000 people and the destruction of over 50 villages, and the 1993 Meitei-Pangal conflict, which saw over 100 deaths.

The Home Minister argued that the opposition was trying to paint the current violence as unprecedented while similar conflicts had occurred under previous administrations. He asserted that since the BJP came to power in Manipur in 2017, the state had experienced relative stability, with no major shutdowns or blockades. However, the situation changed after the controversial High Court ruling, which was interpreted differently by both communities, triggering violence within two days.

Responding to allegations that the government was slow to act, Shah stated that security forces were immediately deployed to Manipur using Indian Air Force planes. He stressed that the central government is committed to restoring peace and urged all political parties to avoid politicizing the crisis.

Shah assured that while there have been no deaths in the last four months and only two injuries, efforts will continue until all displaced individuals return home. A rehabilitation package is under discussion to support those affected by the violence.

He explained the procedural aspects leading to President’s Rule, stating that after the resignation of the Chief Minister, discussions were held with key political parties, including the JP, NPP, NPF, JD(U), and Congress. As the majority of members were unable to form a government, the Cabinet recommended President’s Rule, which was approved by the President.

Assam MP Gaurav Gogoi said Home Minister Amit Shah’s moving of resolution at 2am to further extend President’s Rule in Manipur is an insult to the people of Manipur and complete disregard of the sanctity of the Parliament.

Also Read: Assam tea estates to grow oil palm as Centre pushes for edible oil self-sufficiency

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