Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed the Manipur administration to repair religious sites that were vandalized or damaged during the May 2023 ethnic violence in the State during a security review meeting last week, according to a senior government official who spoke with The Hindu.
According to the official, the objective of the initiative is to apply a therapeutic touch to the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Following the outbreak of ethnic violence in the State on May 3, 2023, the Manipur government informed the Supreme Court in August 2023 that “386 religious institutions of both the communities suffered damage.”
In September 2023, the Supreme Court issued a directive to the State government to promptly identify all religious structures in the State, including Christian churches, Hindu temples, Sanamahi temples, mosques, and any other types of religious structures. The government was instructed to safeguard these structures from encroachment and any additional damage or destruction.
‘Fence frontier, clear roads’
The security scenario of Manipur was reviewed by Mr. Shah on March 1, marking the first time since the State was placed under President’s Rule on February 13.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Mr. Shah instructed officials to guarantee the unimpeded movement of individuals on all highways throughout the State by March 8. Additionally, the fencing along the Manipur-Myanmar border was to be completed as soon as possible, and the drug network in the State was to be dismantled.
Deadline for weapon recovery
According to the official, the Home Minister had emphasized the necessity of recovering all looted weapons by June 30. There are numerous weapons that are either in the possession of civilians or insurgent organizations that are currently operating within the State. Extortion and abductions on a large scale have been facilitated by the availability of weapons in the hands of the public in the State.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had issued a request to civilians on February 20 to surrender looted firearms. The deadline was subsequently extended to March 6, and failure to comply would result in severe repercussions.
Many thousands of rounds of ammunition and approximately 6,000 police weapons have been stolen from armories since the outbreak of violence. So far, approximately 2,000 police weapons that were seized have been either surrendered or recovered.
Peace team
During the meeting, it was also determined that approximately 400 community leaders and distinguished individuals would be enlisted to promote the message of peace and elevate the State’s development initiatives.
On June 10, 2023, the MHA established a 51-member peace committee, which was presided over by former Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey. In spite of this, the committee was rejected by members of both communities.
As of now, approximately 250 individuals have been slain in the violence in Manipur, and scores remain unaccounted for. There are currently over 62,000 individuals residing in relief camps as a result of their displacement from their residences. Instructed by the Minister, the rehabilitation of these internally displaced persons should commence promptly.
