Manipur violence: CM Biren Singh promises high-level inquiry against government officials

• Image Credit: Internet

• May 9, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

'10,000 people are still trapped,' according to reports.

Digital Desk: Since
May 3, at least 60 people have been killed, 231 have been injured, and around
1,700 buildings have been burned down in Manipur, according to Chief Minister N
Biren Singh on Monday (May 8). Singh also encouraged everyone to keep the
peace. In his first public comment to the ethnic hostilities that have engulfed
the Northeast state, Manipur's chief minister also praised Union Home Minister
Amit Shah for monitoring the situation and dispatching central forces to
restore normalcy as soon as possible.

"In the unfortunate
incident of May 3, approximately 60 innocent people were killed, 231 people
were injured, and approximately 1,700 houses were destroyed." I appeal to
the public to help restore peace and serenity to the state. "Transportation
of stranded individuals to their respective locations has begun," Singh
said.

'10,000 people are still
trapped,' according to reports

According to the Chief
Minister, 20,000 people have been evacuated thus far, with an estimated 10,000
individuals still stuck. "All those people who are stranded in different
parts of Manipur are receiving the best possible care and support in safe
locations and shelter camps," he added.

Singh stated that Shah
has been watching the situation since the event occurred until today.  "I appeal to the public to cooperate
fully with paramilitary and state forces." I also urge them to create a
safe and welcoming environment for affected families to come home. On behalf of
the government, I warmly thank the honourable Home Minister Amit Shah. He has
been watching the situation since the beginning of the unrest and has
dispatched several companies of central forces to the state to restore
order," Singh added.

'High-level
investigation into those responsible'

He also stated that a
high-level investigation will be performed to hold those responsible for the
violence accountable and to punish those who failed to carry out their
obligations in suppressing the unrest.

"A high-level
investigation will be conducted to pin blame on those/groups responsible for
the violence and government employees who failed to carry out their
duties." I implore everyone not to disseminate or believe unsubstantiated
and baseless rumours. "To date, 35,655 people, including 1593 students,
have been relocated to safer areas," the CM added.

The chief minister
further stated that the government machinery was working around the clock to
address the crisis and restore order, and that MLAs and ministers were also
working hard to restore calm.

Several state governments,
especially those in the Northeast, are developing preparations to evacuate
their citizens from the conflict-torn state of Manipur.

The internet ban has
been extended until May 13th.

color:#010101">Meanwhile, the Manipur administration has decided to prolong the
state's internet ban until May 13 in order to continue attempts to restore
peace and order.

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On May 3, a protest march sponsored by the Kuki tribes triggered
conflicts with the non-tribal Meitei people in Manipur. The march was organized
in response to a recent Manipur High Court judgement directing the state
administration to make a report to the Centre over the demand to place the
majority and primarily Hindu Meitei group on the list of Scheduled Tribes
(STs).