Amit Shah on Manipur: Ensure no more violence

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was not present at the meeting.

The MHA said Shah asked security officers to ensure no further violence takes place in Manipur and increase presence of security forces there if needed. He also asked them to deploy security forces strategically to stop violence.

“Home Minister stressed upon strategic deployment of the central forces to restore peace and tranquillity in Manipur. He added that the forces will be increased, if required. Home Minister further directed that strict action must be taken as per law against the perpetrators of violence,” an MHA statement said.

Sources said senior officials from Manipur gave the Home Minister a presentation on the security situation in the state and the steps taken by them to maintain peace. Shah, sources said, inquired about the violence spreading to hitherto peaceful areas such as Jiribam in the state. Officials told the Home Minister that police and security forces deployment in the district had been increased and a close watch was being kept on movement of unruly mobs and militants.

Shah is learnt to have told officials to identify vulnerable areas such as colonies of minority groups surrounded by populations of different ethnic identity and provide adequate security.

“The Home Minister largely reviewed the security situation in the state. There was no discussion on a long-term solution. That is a political issue and the government is dealing with it. The concern of this meeting was to ensure violence did not spread,” a central security establishment officer said.

The meeting comes days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged the government to deal with the Manipur problem on priority.