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- Published: May 8, 2023 19:35
New Delhi: Manipur CM N Biren Singh addressed the press and briefed about the situation in the violence-hit state. He informed that around 60 people lost their lives, 231 were injured and around 1,700 houses burned down in the violence that began on May 3. He appealed to people to stay together and bring peace to Manipur.
There was a huge number of people stranded in the violence-hit districts and the Assam Rifles and Paramilitary forces worked with the state police to evacuate over 20,000 people. CM Biren Singh said that the government has formed a sub-cabinet committee to handle the safe transportation of the people left stranded. There were students from neighbouring states of Assam and Tripura who will be relocated back to their families.
#WATCH | Around 60 innocent people lost their lives, 231 injured & around 1700 houses burned down in unfortunate incident of May 3. I appeal to people to bring peace to the state. Transportation of stranded persons to their respective locations has begun: Manipur CM N Biren Singh pic.twitter.com/obaYEb9d2c
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2023
The Chief Minister added that the persons stranded in Manipur are being provided with the best possible care and support in shelter camps. He gave an estimate that about 10,000 people are remaining stranded and added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is monitoring the situation.
On investigation of the matter, Biren Singh said that a high-level inquiry will be conducted to fix responsibility on persons and groups who instigated the violence. He also added about probing the government servants who did not meet their responsibilities at such time.
Manipur government also appealed not to spread or believe baseless rumours.
A high-level inquiry will be conducted to fix responsibility on persons/groups who instigated the violence and government servants who didn’t meet their responsibilities. I appeal to all not to spread or believe unfounded and baseless rumours. Till now, 35,655 persons including…
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2023
Supreme Court also took cognizance of the matter and the bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala emphasised on due arrangements to be made in relief camps.
The violence began during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest against the demand for non-tribal majority community Meiteis’ inclusion into the Scheduled Tribe list. CM Biren Singh was also set to inaugurate a gym at a sports complex, which was burned down in protest.
The state witnessed clashes from both sides and a curfew was also imposed in several districts with internet services suspended.