Manipur violence: Amit Shah holds meetings, CM appeals for peace; state government issues shoot at sight orders

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, spoke with the chief ministers of neighbouring states and held two videoconference meetings with them on Thursday to discuss the violence in the northeastern state.

Manipur government has issued shoot at sight orders in “extreme cases” to deal with the law and order situation.

Internet services continue to remain suspended in the wake of the violence that broke out during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday. Amit Shah held two video-conference meetings with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Union Home Secretary, Director IB and other concerned officials in the state as well as the Centre, ANI reported.

Shah also had conversations with the chief ministers of Manipur’s neighbouring states.
According to ANI, the Army, the BSF, the CRPF, and Assam Rifles have all deployed several companies in the state, and more security personnel will follow.

Anusuiya Uikey, the governor of Manipur, pleaded with the populace to keep the state peaceful and harmonious.

“I am very pained with the violent incidents in Manipur over the past two days. I appeal to the people to maintain peace, tranquillity and harmony I appeal to the people to not take part in any violence or arson activity, and not to pay heed to any rumours. The people should bring up their concerns to the government and cooperate with the authorities. I pay condolence to those who died in the violence, and wish for the recovery of those injured,” she said.

Conrad Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, convened an urgent meeting to ensure the security of Meghalayan students.

Senior government officials were present at the meeting where the CM stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all students. Additionally, he gave the officials instructions to develop a plan for evacuating students in case of emergency.

Over 200 Meghalayans are studying in Manipur, according to Sangma, and the government is setting up a helpline number that students or family members can call in an emergency.

In a telephone conversation with Zoramthanga, his Mizoram counterpart, Biren Singh urged him to make a peace appeal in the wake of the recent violence.