In a significant development, the Indian government has sanctioned a relief package of ₹101.75 crore for the displaced citizens of Manipur, a northeastern state embroiled in ethnic clashes since May 3. The clashes primarily involved the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to a devastating toll on lives, injuries, and displacements. The situation in Manipur has recently shown signs of improvement, with no fresh incidents of violence reported in the past 48 hours.
Kuldiep Singh, the state security adviser and former Chief of the Central Reserve Police Force, confirmed the approval of the relief package by the central government. He stated that the peace and stability witnessed in Manipur played a crucial role in this decision. Since the outbreak of clashes, the state has witnessed a distressing loss of life, with 102 people killed, 300 injured, and nearly 40,000 displaced. Additionally, approximately 2,000 houses and shops were burned down, exacerbating the plight of affected individuals and families.
Singh revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed the Manipur government to submit a formal request to the Union Home Ministry seeking relief for the displaced citizens. During his four-day visit to the state, Shah engaged with various Kuki and Meitei groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to understand the situation on the ground and gather perspectives from different stakeholders.
“The situation in Manipur remained peaceful and under control,” assured Singh, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and harmony in the region.
During his visit, Shah urged the people of Manipur to surrender their arms voluntarily and warned of strict action against those who failed to comply. Several incidents were reported where mobs from different communities raided police stations and looted around 3,500 guns and 500,000 rounds of ammunition. However, subsequent security operations have resulted in the recovery of a significant number of weapons. In the past 24 hours alone, security personnel confiscated 27 weapons, 245 rounds of ammunition, and 41 bombs in specific areas of Imphal East district and Bishnupur.
Singh stated that the overall recoveries by the police until Thursday evening amounted to 896 arms, 11,763 rounds of ammunition, and 200 bombs. The combing operations, conducted in coordination with the Indian Army, span across multiple districts and employ advanced technologies such as drones and quadcopters, considering the challenging terrain of the region.
To address the immediate needs of the affected population, the movement of essential items along National Highway 37 has been prioritized. Singh reported that numerous loaded and empty vehicles have been dispatched to ensure the smooth flow of goods, with security measures reinforced in vulnerable areas.
The clashes in Manipur initially erupted following protests by tribal Kuki groups in Churachandpur town against proposed modifications to the state’s reservation matrix. The proposed changes aimed to grant scheduled tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community. The resulting violence led to mass displacements, with thousands of people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in jungles, often crossing state borders. The authorities swiftly imposed a curfew, suspended internet services, and deployed additional security forces to quell the escalating clashes.
In this delicate context where ethnic divisions have historically strained community relations, the restoration of peace is a crucial step forward. The recovery of stolen weapons, which remain a potential threat, remains a priority for the government. It is imperative that peace-building efforts continue to bridge the ethnic divide, and both state and central authorities stay vigilant against any attempts to reignite violence.
