Indian PM Narendra Modi on Sunday set up a three-membered commission to investigate the cause and spread of communal violence in Manipur, which will look into the culpability of individuals and any lapses by authorities.
Overview
The commission was set up under the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1952. Former Guwahati High Court Chief Justice, Justice Ajai Lamba, will lead the inquiry. Retired Indian Administrative Services officer Himanshu Shekhar Das and retired Indian Police Services official Aloka Prabhakar are the two other members.
The inquiry commission, headquartered in Imphal, will present its report to the Central Government within six months of its first sitting.
The plan to set up the inquiry commission was first announced during Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the violence-hit state from 29 May to 1 June. The central government’s decision came in response to a request by the Manipur government on 29 May, where the state authorities called for a judiciary-led investigation.
My sincerest appeal to the people of Manipur is to lift the blockades at the Imphal-Dimapur, NH-2 Highway, so that food, medicines, Petrol/Diesel, and other necessary items can reach the people.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 4, 2023
I also request that Civil Society Organisations do the needful in bringing…
Manipur Violence Continues
Since its onset on 3 May, the communal violence in Manipur has resulted in 98 deaths, with over 35,000 displaced. Over 37,000 people have been relocated to 272 shelters.
Violent mobs also looted armouries and stole 3,500 guns and over 500,000 ammunitions from the Manipur police.
On Friday, the Manipur police reported a “heavy exchange of fire” that resulted in fresh violence and caused 16 casualties. Reports said armed “insurgents” opened fire on security personnel in Chandolpokpi, Tangjeng, Pombikhok and Kamson villages.
Meanwhile, over 200 houses were torched and vandalised, including the residence of Congress lawmaker Ranjit Singh. Fortunately, most of the occupants of the houses had already been shifted to rescue camps.
Now, Meitei community protested in Delhi. They are demanding NRC in Manipur.
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) June 5, 2023
Atleast 98 people killed in ethnic violence in Manipur. Homes of Meiteis & Kukis, Temples & Churches destroyed.
Save Manipur from:
1. Illegal poppy cultivation.
2. Illegal immigrants from Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/AFiDwZ1O9m
On Sunday, Union Minister Amit Shah called for the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway II blockages to be removed. The road is critical for providing supplies to remote valley regions in Manipur, given that it connects Dimapur to Nagaland through the Naga and Kuki hill districts. As railway connectivity in the state is poor, the roads are critical for the movement of essential goods.
Clashes first erupted in early May, following a court order directing the state government to consider the non-tribal Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The Meitei community comprises 53% of the state’s population, primarily concentrated in the Manipur valley. They approached the court, claiming that their community faces a threat due to “large-scale illegal immigration by Myanmarese and Bangladeshis.”
However, opponents argue that granting the Scheduled Tribe status to Meitei will enable them to get most of the reservations. As a result, it will deprive the tribal community of access to government jobs and educational institutions.