MANIPUR: On May 3, caste violence broke out in Manipur after the ‘Tribal Unity March’. The Meitei community had demonstrated on May 3 demanding Scheduled Caste (ST) status, after which a ‘Tribal Unity March’ was organised. Manipur has been affected by caste violence for almost a month and an increase in clashes has been seen in the state during this period. After a few weeks of silence, there was firing between security forces and militants last Sunday. After the ethnic conflict started in Manipur, Amit Shah has reached Manipur on a four-day visit and he met various groups on Thursday. During this, he had warned that if the looted weapons were not surrendered then strict action would be taken. The Union Home Minister visited the north-eastern state for the first time. He had ordered an investigation into the incidents of violence and also announced the formation of a Peace Committee for peace in the state.
After the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur seems to be returning on the path of peace. Curfew has been lifted from 5 districts here. Apart from this, relaxations are being given at other places also. It is noteworthy that a day before, Home Minister Amit Shah had announced a peace plan for the violence-hit North-Eastern region. At the same time, police say that after Shah’s warning, 140 weapons have been surrendered in Manipur. It is noteworthy that after the outbreak of caste violence about a month ago, 2,000 weapons were looted from the police armory. Police said that the weapons that have been surrendered include AK 47, INSAS rifle, tear gas, sten gun, grenade launcher and many types of pistols. A senior police officer said that these are all service weapons and are banned.
