Inner Manipur MP writes to Amit Shah calling for ‘corrective measures’ to restore peace

Akoijam also called for completion of the work of the inquiry commission, constituted in June 2023 and headed by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court Ajai Lamba, and publication of its findings without further delay.

He urged Shah to take concrete steps to address the suffering of displaced people and ensure they can resettle in their original homelands with dignity and well-being.

He called for restoring the free movement of goods and people on the highways with full security by taking measures including the deployment of sufficient armed forces.

“Furthermore, since Manipur’s economy has been devastated by this violence, the issue of fiscal relief, including tax exemptions, needs to be urgently discussed with the relevant ministry,” he said.

Akoijam also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of involvement of illegal immigrants, foreign elements and the illegal drug mafia in the current crisis. If this is found to be true, take necessary steps to check and deter such involvement, he added.

The Congressman said there are necessary institutional and judicious measures needed to distinguish citizens from non-citizens in the state.

Akoijam also called for a review of existing policies and measures regarding armed groups, especially the controversial suspension of activities (SoO) with the ‘Kuki’ armed groups in the state, to ensure that such measures do not become breeding grounds for violence and illegal activities.

He also advocated for establishing a dialogue among the people and starting healing processes to deal with the trauma caused by this unprecedented tragedy in the state.

Akoijam’s comments come at a time when violence is escalating in Manipur.

The state government on Tuesday suspended internet services in five districts in the valley amid rising student unrest.

The decision was taken to curb the use of social media for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate videos, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Prohibitory orders were also imposed in three districts of Manipur.

An indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal East and West districts, preventing people from stepping out of their homes. Prohibitory orders were imposed in Thoubal under Section 163 (2) of the BNSS.

More than 200 people have been killed and thousands left homeless in fighting between Meitei and Kukis since May last year.