The Centre and Manipur state government have jointly announced compensation packages for the victims of the recent ethnic clashes in the state. Each deceased individual’s family will receive a compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh, along with a job opportunity for one family member. The compensation will be equally shared by the central and state governments.
The decision to provide compensation was made during a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday. The move aims to address the grievances of the affected families and bring some solace.
To combat rumor-mongering, dedicated telephone lines will be set up to disseminate accurate information and dispel misinformation, as it has played a significant role in fueling unrest. Efforts are being made to restore peace and tranquility in the troubled state.
During his visit, Home Minister Amit Shah met with women leaders and a delegation of civil society organizations in Manipur, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state.
However, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan cautioned that challenges in Manipur still persist, but expressed optimism that the situation would eventually settle down. He noted that the current situation in the state is not linked to insurgency.
The death toll from the clashes that began on May 3 has risen to 80, with sporadic incidents of violence occurring since then. The unrest originated from a Tribal Solidarity March organized to protest the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community. Tensions escalated due to the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, leading to a series of smaller agitations.
To restore normalcy, extensive deployment of security forces, including the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, was necessary. Around 10,000 personnel from various paramilitary forces were mobilized, comprising over 140 columns.
Efforts are underway to address the root causes of the clashes and facilitate lasting peace in Manipur.
