Amit Shah Announces Special Team to Probe Manipur Violence, Warns SoO Agreement Violators

IMPHAL: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced that a probe committee, headed by a retired judge, will be formed by the Central government to investigate the incidents of violence which have rocked Manipur since last month.

Shah said this during a press conference on the conclusion of his four-day visit to the state on Thursday. He revealed that a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team will be tasked with the investigation into the cases of Manipur violence.

The violence and ethnic clashes in Manipur since May 3 have led to the loss of numerous lives and damage to houses and religious places.

"Central government has constituted a committee to probe into these incidents headed by a retired judge of the rank of the chief justice of a high court. The Governor of Manipur will head a peace committee with members of civil society," said Shah at the press meet.

"A probe panel will be set up to look into the reasons for the violence and to identify who was responsible for it," he added.

Reassuring the people of Manipur, the Union minister stated that there will not be any bias or discrimination in the course of the investigations and the guilty will be punished for their crimes.

Stating that several agencies are working in Manipur to investigate violent incidents, Shah said a high-level CBI probe in six incidents of violence had hinted at a conspiracy.

“We will make sure that the investigation is fair," Shah said.

It was also announced by the Union minister that combing operations in the violence-hit regions of the state will commence from tomorrow.

Significantly, Shah said those who violate the SoO agreement (Suspension of Operation) will have to face strict action that will be taken against them.

"I urge citizens of Manipur to not pay heed to fake news. Strict actions will be taken against anyone violating the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Those carrying weapons must surrender before the police. Combing operations will start from tomorrow and if weapons are found with anyone, strict actions will be taken," he assured.

He also said discussions to provide uninterrupted education facilities to students will be held by education officials soon reaching the state. There are also plans chalked out for online education and examinations will be held accordingly, he said.

A rehabilitation package was also highlighted, along with special provisions put in place to ensure that students do not fall back on exams and studies are continued.

Announcing compensation packages, the Union Home Minister said, "The next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence will be given Rs 5 lakh by the central government and Rs 5 lakh by the Manipur government as compensation. This amount will be transferred to the victims through DBT. Special medical officers will ensure medical facilities in areas hit by violence.”

Union Minsiter Shah also expressed his condolences to the kin of those who perished during the recent violence in the state.

"On behalf of the Government of India, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on my own behalf, I express my deepest condolences to all those who have died in the recent violence. It is natural for all of us to feel sad when a citizen of the country dies," said Amit Shah.

Shah said that, during his visit to the state, he had visited different parts of the state including Imphal, Moreh, and Churachandpur. He also said he met with representatives of the Meitei and Kuki communities.

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