No question of compromising with unity, integrity and territorial boundary of Manipur, assures Amit Shah Stern warning issued against violation of SoO ground rules

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 1: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that a panel  headed by a retired Chief Justice of a High Court would be constituted to probe the ethnic crisis besieging the State since May 3.
Categorically stating that there is no question of disturbing the unity, integrity and  territorial boundary of Manipur, the Union Home Minister issued stern warning to all those militant groups who have been violating the SoO ground rules.
Briefing media persons  before leaving Imphal at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat today, Amit Shah announced that a panel headed  by a retired Chief Justice of a High Court would be constituted to probe into the origin and other details of the ethnic crisis.
He said that the investigations would be carried out without any bias and discrimination, and the guilty would be punished.  
On being enquired about  the demand for creation of separate administration, Amit Shah stated that the Central Government’s position on the integrity and territorial boundary of Manipur remains firm and unchanged.
Maintaining that restoration of peace and normalcy is the first priority, the Union Home Minister urged the media fraternity to focus on calming down the situation instead of stoking it.
To another query, Amit Shah stated that strongest actions would be taken up against all those militant groups which have been violating the SoO ground rules.
The charge that SoO ground rules were violated   would be examined more minutely. At the same time, SoO groups must take this warning with utmost seriousness, he said.
Around 15 insurgent groups of the North East have been holding dialogues with the Central Government. Since 2014, around 8000 people laid down arms and surrendered to the Government, Amit Shah said.
He then asked all concerned to return all the arms and weapons confiscated from security forces, particularly police at the earliest.
Saying that extensive search operations would be launched from tomorrow, Amit Shah warned that necessary action would be initiated as per law if anyone is found with arms.
There was no blockade, bandh or curfew in Manipur during the last six years since the BJP-led Government was installed. The incidents of violence also declined remarkably, he said.
The Union Home Minister stated that Manipur was making commendable strides toward development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Biren. The double-engine Government of the Centre and the State was working hard to make Manipur a hub of education and sports in the North East region.
However, a Court judgement and misunderstanding between two communities led to a series of unfortunate incidents, he said.  
He also conveyed solidarity to all the families who have lost their near and dear ones in the recent violence.
“On behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government and myself, I condole all the victims of the communal violence”, Amit Shah said.
Saying that he had met and talked with both the groups in order to bring a solution, he stated that he had visited Imphal, Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
“I have also talked separately with Cabinet Ministers, representatives of different political parties, CSOs, Olympians, other distinguished players, academicians, intellectuals and retired bureaucrats”, the Union Home Minister said.
“I have also talked with civilian leaders as well as top officers of security organisations. After listening to all of them, it was decided to constitute an enquiry committee to be headed by a retired Chief Justice of a High Court”, he said.
An inter-agency unified command comprising State police, army, paramilitary forces and CAPF has been created today under the supervision of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh.
Of the many FIR cases registered in connection with the recent violence, six would be handed over to the CBI, Amit Shah said.
On the other hand, a rehabilitation and resettlement package has been created for the dead, injured and displaced victims and their lost properties, he told the media.
The next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence would be given Rs 5 lakh by the Central Government and another Rs 5 lakh by the State Government.
As for those who sustained injuries, have been displaced and lost properties, the MHA would come out with a detailed notification tomorrow, Amit Shah said.
He further announced that additional 30,000 MT of rice would be allotted to Manipur. This additional allotment would be dispatched in two phases (15,000 MT each).      
Necessary arrangements would be made to ensure supply of petroleum products, medicines and other essential commodities. 15 oil pumps have been identified for round the clock service, he said.
A temporary platform would be constructed at Khongsang railway station within one week and it would be operational for transportation of essential items, Amit Shah said.
Medical camps would be opened at different areas including Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi and eight teams with 20 doctors each would be sent to different affected areas, he said.
The doctors may also be utilised at Imphal if necessary, he added.
Some officials of the Education Ministry would soon visit Manipur to look into the plight of students including those preparing for competitive examinations. The team would make necessary preparations within two days in consultation with the State Government for online exam, online education and distance learning, he continued.    
The Government has been considering enabling a virtual mode of holding High Court proceedings.
Helicopter service would be started in the three districts of Churachandpur, Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi for transportation to airports and each passenger would be charged a fare of Rs 2000. The same service shall also be used for inter-State transport, he said.
All the amount needed for introducing the helicopter service would be borne jointly by the Central Government and the State Government, he said.
One Joint Secretary of the Central Government and five Directors of different ministries would be stationed at Imphal, the Union Home Minister said.
10 Kms of Indo-Myanmar border has been fenced in Manipur on trial basis while tender has been floated for fencing another 80 Kms. Survey would be carried out soon in the remaining areas, the Union Home Minister said.
Biometrics data would be collected from all the people who come from neighbouring countries, he said.
Informing that a peace committee headed by the Governor has been constituted, the Union Home Minister underscored the urgent need to create an atmosphere congenial to peace and harmony.
Union MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai, Chief Minister N Biren, BJP Manipur in-charge Dr Sambit Patra, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka and Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur Kuldiep Singh were also present at the press conference, among others.