Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Monday evening held a press briefing, the first such briefing, as the violence-torn State is slowly limping back to normalcy with no untoward incident reported in the last two days.
N Biren, terming the ethnic violence among the two communities in Manipur an “unfortunate incident and deeply saddening,” informed that more than 20,000 people who were left stranded in relief camps have been moved to safety till Monday.
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He further told that another 10,000 more stranded people will be transported to safety as soon as possible.
The Manipur chief minister informing that a high-level inquiry will be conducted against those responsible and also to those who failed to discharge their responsibilities in containing the unrest, bringing the State on the boil resulting in around 60 “innocent people” killed, 231 injured, and 1700 houses burnet down in the ethnic violence.
Three ministers, namely Y Khemchand, K Govindas and Awangbow Newmai, have been appointed in-charge to oversee the transportation of persons who have been stranded. All those stranded at different locations are being provided best possible care and support, N Biren said.
On the other hand the chief minister announced that the State Cabinet and the government in a review meeting will be providing four categories of ex-gratia and compensation to the victims:
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For dead or expired – Rs 5 lakh
For grievous injuries – Rs 2 lakh; For non-grievous injuries – Rs 25,000
Up to Rs 2 lakh as relief for families whose houses have been burnt, after assessment by the authorities.
Assistance by the State government in building houses that have been burnt down or damaged.
N Biren Singh further informed, without specifics, that Superintendent of Polices have been directed to identify vulnerable areas, and ensure round-the-clock provision of full-proof security and protection for land and property, in the absence of their owners. They have been directed to take immediate action as per law against persons attempting to loot or occupy such land and property.
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He further informed that the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah immediately reacted to the volatile situation in Manipur and rushed paramilitary and security forces [appointing ADGP Ashutosh Sinha as the operational commander, and appointment of retired IPS officer and former Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief Kuldiep Singh as its security advisor], which comprises of 50 companies of paramilitary forces, CRPF, BSF SSP, 105 companies of Army and Assam Rifles along with 30,000 Manipur Police.
It is worth noting that the State government has extended internet ban in the entire jurisdiction of the State till May 13.
In a separate press briefing of the Manipur Congress party, MLA K. Meghachandra while slamming the BJP-led government for the turmoil in the State demanded public clarification from the government on why journalists were first informed that Article 355 was promulgated in Manipur and then retracting the same by Manipur security advisor Kuldeep Singh who on May 6 said there is no promulgation of Article 355 in Manipur.
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