Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has called for civil societies and women organizations to be involved in restoring peace in Manipur. The state has been experiencing unrest since May 3, leaving over 115 people dead and displacing over 60,000. The main national highway, Imphal to Mao, remains blocked at Kangpokpi and internet access has been suspended since the violence erupted.
Biren recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation. Following the meeting, it was decided to involve civil society organizations and women’s bodies in the restoration of peace. Shah asked the CM to seek help from these organizations to understand the problems and demands of the people in the valley areas.
The centre is closely monitoring the situation, and Biren reported that there have been no major incidents since June 13. However, reports of mass uprisings with people burning houses and attacking others suggest a semblance of lawlessness in many parts of the state.
The Manipur police, along with central forces, have conducted search operations in Tamenglong, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Kakching districts, destroying bunkers in the process. They have also arrested 135 people in connection with curfew violations, theft in abandoned houses, and arson cases. Additionally, flag marches, area domination, and cordon and search operations are continuing in various parts of the State, with 1,100 arms, 13,702 ammunition, and 250 bombs of different kinds being recovered until now.
The CM has said that people need to come together to start a new life and forget the past so that peace can be restored. By involving civil society organizations and women’s bodies in the restoration process, it is hoped that a better understanding of the problems and demands of people living in the valley areas can be achieved, leading to an effective strategy that will be helpful for all the sections of society.
Keywords: Manipur, unrest, civil societies, women organizations, Chief Minister, Amit Shah, peaceful restoration, lawlessness, search operations, arrests.
