Manipur violence: Amit Shah on line with Biren, other CMs as more security forces rushed in

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also asked for 12 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including six companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to be airlifted to Manipur, sources said.

Written by Mahender Singh Manral

New Delhi | Updated: May 5, 2023 08:08 AM IST

3 min read

Smoke billows out from buildings after violence broke out during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by All Tribal Student Union Manipur, in Imphal on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

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As the situation in violence-hit Manipur worsened, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Thursday held two video conference meetings and spoke with the chief ministers of Manipur and its neighbouring states. Following back-to-back meetings with the Centre and in line with its suggestions, the Manipur government has appointed retired IPS officer and former CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh as its security advisor. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also asked for 12 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including six companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to be airlifted to Manipur, sources said.

The May 4 letter sent from the MHA to the Ministry of Defence states: “It is requested to please facilitate airlifting by providing IAF aircraft for two companies of RAF from Mumbai, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, two companies of CRPF from Delhi, and two companies of BSF from Delhi and Amritsar to Manipur on urgent basis.”

Also Read | Shoot at sight orders issued as violence flares in Manipur

On Thursday morning, Shah had a telephonic conversation with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, who briefed him about the current situation in the state and steps taken by them to control the situation.

Also Read | Protest against ST demand turns violent in Manipur, curfew imposed in entire state

Apart from the CAPFs, the Army and Assam Rifles are already on the ground.

Sources said that Shah, through the day, kept tabs on the situation and discussed the developments with intelligence officials. Other Chief Ministers he spoke to include Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland, Zoramthanga of Mizoram and Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam.

Also Read | Behind the violence in Manipur: Longstanding tensions between hill and valley people, the Meitei demand for ST status, and a recent HC order

“The two video conference meetings Shah held in the evening to review the situation were attended by the Manipur Chief Minister, the state’s chief secretary, police chief, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka and other top Central government officials. Shah assured that the Centre would provide all possible help to maintain peace, as well as more security forces if required,” a source said.

Mahender Singh Manral

Mahender Singh Manral is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. He is known for his impactful and breaking stories. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, Investigative Agencies, National Investigative Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Agencies, Paramilitary Forces, and internal security. Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat. During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives. ... Read More

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