CBI Forms Special Investigation Team To Investigate Manipur Violence Cases

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• Jun 9, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The CBI has set up a 10-member special investigation team (SIT) led by a DIG-rank officer to... 

Digital Desk: The CBI has set up a 10-member special investigation team (SIT) led by a DIG-rank officer to investigate six cases referred to it by the state government in connection with the Manipur violence, officials said on Friday.

During his visit to the northeastern state, Home Minister Amit Shah announced a CBI investigation into six FIRs, five on alleged criminal conspiracy and one on general conspiracy, behind the unrest in Manipur.

The CBI had dispatched Joint Director Ghanshyam Upadhyay to coordinate with state officials, and the SIT was formed upon his return, they added.

The agency re-registered six cases forwarded to it by the state government. The cases would be investigated by Kolkata's Special Crime Branch, they said.

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On May 3, a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was staged in the hill districts of the northeastern state to protest the Meitei community's need for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since the ethnic violence erupted over a month ago, about 100 people have died and over 300 have been injured.

The clashes had been preceded by unrest over the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserve forest land, which had sparked a series of smaller uprisings.

Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur's population and dwell primarily in the Imphal Valley. Tribals, such as the Nagas and Kukis, make up another 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.

Around 10,000 Army and Assam Rifles personnel have been stationed in the state to keep the peace.