News Analysis India

Tag: Amit Shah

  • Manipur: Kuki MLAs urge Centre to come up with actual figures on illegal immigration from Myanmar

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: Given the ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar and the Manipur government linking the ethnic violence in the state to illegal migration, the state’s all 10 Kuki legislators on Thursday urged the Centre to come up with the actual figures on the influx of the refugees.

    In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah, they said the Kuki-Zo tribals felt greatly disheartened by the Centre’s statements in Parliament which “appears to tread the line of the Manipur government linking the ethnic cleansing” to the issue of illegal immigration.

    “Therefore, we urge the central government to come up with actual figures of illegal immigration and refugee influx due to the political turmoil in Myanmar,” the legislators, seven of them from ruling BJP, wrote in the letter.

    They requested the Centre to expedite the political dialogue for “political and administrative recognition of the ethnic separation that has been forced upon us by the majority (Meitei) community-dominated government of Manipur, which, we feel, will bring lasting peace.”

    They said agreeing to Shah’s suggestions, they had shown the first goodwill gesture “despite being victims of ethnic cleansing” by convincing fellow Kukis to lift the economic blockade from National Highway 2. 

    “However, essential medical and other supplies to hill areas in Churachandpur, Chandel and Tengnoupal districts continued to be blocked by the Meitei community and the state government had failed to give any efforts to ensure the essential supplies reach the hill areas mentioned above,” the Kuki lawmakers said. 

    They alleged the state government was hell-bent upon trying to inject troops of the state commando unit into the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh “against the wishes of our people who hold them in great fear for their partisan credentials.”

    They requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and stop the state government from trying to forcibly station state police commandos in hill areas. 

    They submitted that they might no longer be in a position to prevent their people from imposing any blockades in future as they felt let down by them (Kuki legislators) due to the absence of any reciprocal gesture from the Meiteis and the state government “that continues to attack our settlements”.

    GUWAHATI: Given the ongoing political turmoil in Myanmar and the Manipur government linking the ethnic violence in the state to illegal migration, the state’s all 10 Kuki legislators on Thursday urged the Centre to come up with the actual figures on the influx of the refugees.

    In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah, they said the Kuki-Zo tribals felt greatly disheartened by the Centre’s statements in Parliament which “appears to tread the line of the Manipur government linking the ethnic cleansing” to the issue of illegal immigration.

    “Therefore, we urge the central government to come up with actual figures of illegal immigration and refugee influx due to the political turmoil in Myanmar,” the legislators, seven of them from ruling BJP, wrote in the letter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    They requested the Centre to expedite the political dialogue for “political and administrative recognition of the ethnic separation that has been forced upon us by the majority (Meitei) community-dominated government of Manipur, which, we feel, will bring lasting peace.”

    They said agreeing to Shah’s suggestions, they had shown the first goodwill gesture “despite being victims of ethnic cleansing” by convincing fellow Kukis to lift the economic blockade from National Highway 2. 

    “However, essential medical and other supplies to hill areas in Churachandpur, Chandel and Tengnoupal districts continued to be blocked by the Meitei community and the state government had failed to give any efforts to ensure the essential supplies reach the hill areas mentioned above,” the Kuki lawmakers said. 

    They alleged the state government was hell-bent upon trying to inject troops of the state commando unit into the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh “against the wishes of our people who hold them in great fear for their partisan credentials.”

    They requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene and stop the state government from trying to forcibly station state police commandos in hill areas. 

    They submitted that they might no longer be in a position to prevent their people from imposing any blockades in future as they felt let down by them (Kuki legislators) due to the absence of any reciprocal gesture from the Meiteis and the state government “that continues to attack our settlements”.

  • Amit Shah appeals for peace in Manipur, says attempts to politicise issue shameful

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Appealing with “folded hands” for an end to the three-month-long cycle of violence in Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged warring Kuki and Meitei communities to hold talks, as the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution calling for the restoration of peace in the northeastern state.

    Intervening in the debate on the no-confidence motion after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders slammed the government’s handling of the Manipur situation, Shah urged them not to politicise the issue of ethnic violence in the state.

    “I agree with the opposition that there is a cycle of violence in Manipur. Nobody can support such incidents. Whatever happened is shameful, but to politicise those events is even more shameful,” Shah said.

    ““Through this House, I appeal with folded hands to both the communities that violence is not a solution for any problem, join the talks. Sit down with the Government and find a solution to the problem. Rumours only create an atmosphere of distrust,” he said.

    The minister said 152 people were killed, 14,898 people arrested and 1,106 FIRs registered since violence erupted on May 3.

    The Lok Sabha also adopted a resolution read out by Speaker Om Birla appealing for peace in Manipur that was enthusiastically supported by the NDA members in the presence of the opposition.

    In his nearly two-hour intervention, Shah ruled out a change of guard in Manipur asserting that the chief minister was cooperating with the Centre in the efforts to restore peace.

    He rejected the opposition demand to impose President’s Rule in Manipur saying the need would have arisen had the chief minister been non-cooperative.

    “We changed the chief secretary, director general of police a day after the violence broke out. We also appointed a security advisor and made him incharge of the unified command mechanism,” he said.

    On the video of the May 4 incident, in which two women were stripped and paraded naked by a mob, that appeared on July 19, saying the government was not aware of it.

    He also questioned the intention of leaking the video on social media ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

    “Why did it emerge a day before the parliament session? Had the video been given to the DGP on May 4, the culprits would have been arrested on May 5. Nine people were identified, arrested, and are facing trial on the day the video came to light,” he said.

    ALSO READ | ‘What does Modi see in Biren Singh?’ – Supriya Sule seeks Manipur CM’s immediate dismissal

    Shah spoke on the origin of hostilities and urged the two warring communities to come to the dialogue table.

    “I urge both communities (Kukis and Meiteis) to sit with the Centre and talk to resolve the issue. We do not wish to change the demography. I am talking to them personally. Please do not politicise this,” he said.

    Shah said violence in Manipur was witnessing a downward trend as of the total 152 deaths so far, 107 had taken place in May, 30 in June, 15 in July and four in August.

    Shah lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of creating “drama” during his tour to Manipur when the government was ready to facilitate his visit to Churachandpur and other areas.

    The Home Minister said Gandhi refused the government’s offer to visit Churachandpur by helicopter and insisted on making a road journey.

    “He resorted to satyagraha on day one and then took a helicopter ride to Churachandpur the next day,” Shah said and urged the opposition not to add fuel to the fire with such incidents.

    In a swipe at Gandhi, the minister said, “”In this House, there is a leader who has been launched in politics 13 times till now, and he has failed all thirteen times.”

    Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Northeast more than 50 times in nine years and has worked to bring development and “reduce emotional distances”.

    “During the Congress rule, there were numerous incidents of violence in Manipur, yet no Home Minister visited there. I stayed there for three days, and our MoS (Minister of State) Shri Nityanand Rai stayed there continuously for 23 days,” Shah said.

    ALSO READ | Citing past violence in Manipur, Himanta says conflict in state is due to Congress’ wrong policies

    He also said that during the last years, a total of 8000 armed insurgents from the Northeast have surrendered.

    The Home Minister said problems started in Manipur with the influx of Kuki refugees from neighbouring Myanmar after the military rulers there started a crackdown against militants in 2021.

    The Kuki refugees started settling down in the jungles in the Manipur valley, raising fears of a demographic change in the region, Shah said.

    The unrest in the Manipur valley began when rumours began to circulate that the refugee settlements have been declared as villages, Shah said.

    He said the Manipur High Court order to fast-track the process for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes added fuel to the fire.

    Shah said Centre has established a peace committee as part of efforts to restore normalcy.

    “Over 36,000 security personnel have been stationed between Kukis and Meiteis as a buffer zone. The anger has not subsided yet, but violence has reduced. A unified command has been created to coordinate between BSF, CRPF, Assam Rifles and Manipur police deployed there. Six cases of conspiracy have been handed over to the CBI,” Shah said.

    Shah also questioned the character of the opposition alliance, saying its true face was seen when it indulged in corruption to stay in power.

    He said when the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee faced a no-trust vote in 1999, he chose to step down instead of indulging in corruption to save his government.

    “The character of political parties and alliances is revealed in such times of crises. The UPA’s character is to indulge in corruption to save the government by hook or by crook, while the BJP-led NDA’s character is to stand up to principles,” Shah said, adding that Vajpayee did not resort to any crooked tactics to save the government he lost by one vote.

    Shah listed the achievements of the Modi government in different sectors such as the handling of the Covid pandemic, the free food scheme for 80 crore people, and providing homes to the homeless and cooking gas to 9.6 crore women.

    He alleged that opposition was against India’s indigenous vaccine.

    “I remember Rahul ji and Akhilesh ji campaigned against it, naming it the Modi vaccine. They even opposed the lockdown. But the people of India trust Modi Ji even if the opposition does not and as a result 130 crore people took the vaccine and India became free from Covid,” he said.

    After he mentioned each achievement of the government, the NDA members chanted in unison: “Aapko bharosa nahi hai, par desh ki janata ko vishwas hai (you the opposition– do not believe us, but the people trust us)”.

    “Post-independence, if the nation has confidence in any leader, it is Narendra Modi who was elected twice with a complete majority. After 30 years, people elected a full majority government,” the minister said.

    Shah said he had heard the speeches of opposition leaders and had reached the conclusion that this no-confidence motion was brought only to create confusion.

    On the Quit India movement’s anniversary, the prime minister has given the slogan — ‘Corruption Quit India, Dynasty Quit India and Appeasement Quit India’, he said.

    “Modi has ushered in a new era of politics since 2014, that of development which will lead to the creation of India of the dreams of our freedom fighters much before 2047,” the home minister said.

    NEW DELHI: Appealing with “folded hands” for an end to the three-month-long cycle of violence in Manipur, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged warring Kuki and Meitei communities to hold talks, as the Lok Sabha adopted a resolution calling for the restoration of peace in the northeastern state.

    Intervening in the debate on the no-confidence motion after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders slammed the government’s handling of the Manipur situation, Shah urged them not to politicise the issue of ethnic violence in the state.

    “I agree with the opposition that there is a cycle of violence in Manipur. Nobody can support such incidents. Whatever happened is shameful, but to politicise those events is even more shameful,” Shah said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ““Through this House, I appeal with folded hands to both the communities that violence is not a solution for any problem, join the talks. Sit down with the Government and find a solution to the problem. Rumours only create an atmosphere of distrust,” he said.

    The minister said 152 people were killed, 14,898 people arrested and 1,106 FIRs registered since violence erupted on May 3.

    The Lok Sabha also adopted a resolution read out by Speaker Om Birla appealing for peace in Manipur that was enthusiastically supported by the NDA members in the presence of the opposition.

    In his nearly two-hour intervention, Shah ruled out a change of guard in Manipur asserting that the chief minister was cooperating with the Centre in the efforts to restore peace.

    He rejected the opposition demand to impose President’s Rule in Manipur saying the need would have arisen had the chief minister been non-cooperative.

    “We changed the chief secretary, director general of police a day after the violence broke out. We also appointed a security advisor and made him incharge of the unified command mechanism,” he said.

    On the video of the May 4 incident, in which two women were stripped and paraded naked by a mob, that appeared on July 19, saying the government was not aware of it.

    He also questioned the intention of leaking the video on social media ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament.

    “Why did it emerge a day before the parliament session? Had the video been given to the DGP on May 4, the culprits would have been arrested on May 5. Nine people were identified, arrested, and are facing trial on the day the video came to light,” he said.

    ALSO READ | ‘What does Modi see in Biren Singh?’ – Supriya Sule seeks Manipur CM’s immediate dismissal

    Shah spoke on the origin of hostilities and urged the two warring communities to come to the dialogue table.

    “I urge both communities (Kukis and Meiteis) to sit with the Centre and talk to resolve the issue. We do not wish to change the demography. I am talking to them personally. Please do not politicise this,” he said.

    Shah said violence in Manipur was witnessing a downward trend as of the total 152 deaths so far, 107 had taken place in May, 30 in June, 15 in July and four in August.

    Shah lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of creating “drama” during his tour to Manipur when the government was ready to facilitate his visit to Churachandpur and other areas.

    The Home Minister said Gandhi refused the government’s offer to visit Churachandpur by helicopter and insisted on making a road journey.

    “He resorted to satyagraha on day one and then took a helicopter ride to Churachandpur the next day,” Shah said and urged the opposition not to add fuel to the fire with such incidents.

    In a swipe at Gandhi, the minister said, “”In this House, there is a leader who has been launched in politics 13 times till now, and he has failed all thirteen times.”

    Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Northeast more than 50 times in nine years and has worked to bring development and “reduce emotional distances”.

    “During the Congress rule, there were numerous incidents of violence in Manipur, yet no Home Minister visited there. I stayed there for three days, and our MoS (Minister of State) Shri Nityanand Rai stayed there continuously for 23 days,” Shah said.

    ALSO READ | Citing past violence in Manipur, Himanta says conflict in state is due to Congress’ wrong policies

    He also said that during the last years, a total of 8000 armed insurgents from the Northeast have surrendered.

    The Home Minister said problems started in Manipur with the influx of Kuki refugees from neighbouring Myanmar after the military rulers there started a crackdown against militants in 2021.

    The Kuki refugees started settling down in the jungles in the Manipur valley, raising fears of a demographic change in the region, Shah said.

    The unrest in the Manipur valley began when rumours began to circulate that the refugee settlements have been declared as villages, Shah said.

    He said the Manipur High Court order to fast-track the process for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes added fuel to the fire.

    Shah said Centre has established a peace committee as part of efforts to restore normalcy.

    “Over 36,000 security personnel have been stationed between Kukis and Meiteis as a buffer zone. The anger has not subsided yet, but violence has reduced. A unified command has been created to coordinate between BSF, CRPF, Assam Rifles and Manipur police deployed there. Six cases of conspiracy have been handed over to the CBI,” Shah said.

    Shah also questioned the character of the opposition alliance, saying its true face was seen when it indulged in corruption to stay in power.

    He said when the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee faced a no-trust vote in 1999, he chose to step down instead of indulging in corruption to save his government.

    “The character of political parties and alliances is revealed in such times of crises. The UPA’s character is to indulge in corruption to save the government by hook or by crook, while the BJP-led NDA’s character is to stand up to principles,” Shah said, adding that Vajpayee did not resort to any crooked tactics to save the government he lost by one vote.

    Shah listed the achievements of the Modi government in different sectors such as the handling of the Covid pandemic, the free food scheme for 80 crore people, and providing homes to the homeless and cooking gas to 9.6 crore women.

    He alleged that opposition was against India’s indigenous vaccine.

    “I remember Rahul ji and Akhilesh ji campaigned against it, naming it the Modi vaccine. They even opposed the lockdown. But the people of India trust Modi Ji even if the opposition does not and as a result 130 crore people took the vaccine and India became free from Covid,” he said.

    After he mentioned each achievement of the government, the NDA members chanted in unison: “Aapko bharosa nahi hai, par desh ki janata ko vishwas hai (you the opposition– do not believe us, but the people trust us)”.

    “Post-independence, if the nation has confidence in any leader, it is Narendra Modi who was elected twice with a complete majority. After 30 years, people elected a full majority government,” the minister said.

    Shah said he had heard the speeches of opposition leaders and had reached the conclusion that this no-confidence motion was brought only to create confusion.

    On the Quit India movement’s anniversary, the prime minister has given the slogan — ‘Corruption Quit India, Dynasty Quit India and Appeasement Quit India’, he said.

    “Modi has ushered in a new era of politics since 2014, that of development which will lead to the creation of India of the dreams of our freedom fighters much before 2047,” the home minister said.

  • Delhi Services Bill passed in Rajya Sabha

    By Online Desk

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 131 votes.

    102 opposition MPs voted against the Delhi Bill.

    #WATCH | Rajya Sabha passes Delhi Services Bill with Ayes-131, Noes-102. pic.twitter.com/9Zv4jzi8IF
    — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023
    The Delhi Services Bill seeks to replace the existing central government’s ordinance on the transfer and posting of officers. The ordinance was brought in just days after the Supreme Court gave executive powers to the Delhi government in service matters. 

    The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 3.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha today amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs over the Manipur issue.

    The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 131 votes.

    102 opposition MPs voted against the Delhi Bill.

    #WATCH | Rajya Sabha passes Delhi Services Bill with Ayes-131, Noes-102. pic.twitter.com/9Zv4jzi8IFgoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
    — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2023
    The Delhi Services Bill seeks to replace the existing central government’s ordinance on the transfer and posting of officers. The ordinance was brought in just days after the Supreme Court gave executive powers to the Delhi government in service matters. 

    The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on August 3.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in Rajya Sabha today amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs over the Manipur issue.

  • Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil denies having ‘secret’ meeting with Amit Shah in Pune

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil, a Sharad Pawar loyalist, on Sunday dismissed reports that he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune “secretly” and also scotched speculation that he was set to join the Ajit Pawar-led group in the Shiv Sena-BJP government.

    Patil said he was with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening and later met senior colleagues Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope and Sunil Bhusara at his home.

    “They were at my house till 1.30 am. I met Sharad Pawar again this morning. Those who spread these rumours should answer at what time I met Shah in Pune and show proof. I am always with Sharad Pawar. Such speculations should stop,” Patil, who heads the Maharashtra NCP unit, told reporters.

    Amit Shah on Sunday launched the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune.

    Patil said there was no pressure on him to switch sides and he hasn’t held talks with anyone.

    “I attended the MVA meeting (on Saturday) for organizing the INDIA conclave in Mumbai. I am part of the organizing committee, so it is evident why such speculations are coming,” the senior NCP leader added.

    Patil also said that his only aim is to expand the NCP’s base.

    ALSO READ | Maha dilemma on LoP post to Congress; NCP still largest Opposition bloc claims Speaker

    Notably, Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs of NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government last month.

    Ajit took oath as Deputy Chief Minister and the eight MLAs as ministers.

    Since then, political circles in Maharashtra are rife with speculations about growing restlessness among MLAs who are in the Sharad Pawar camp.

    Meanwhile, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad also said that reports of Jayant Patil meeting Shah are wrong.

    “I will be with Sharad Pawar till my last breath,” he told reporters.

    MUMBAI: Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil, a Sharad Pawar loyalist, on Sunday dismissed reports that he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune “secretly” and also scotched speculation that he was set to join the Ajit Pawar-led group in the Shiv Sena-BJP government.

    Patil said he was with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening and later met senior colleagues Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope and Sunil Bhusara at his home.

    “They were at my house till 1.30 am. I met Sharad Pawar again this morning. Those who spread these rumours should answer at what time I met Shah in Pune and show proof. I am always with Sharad Pawar. Such speculations should stop,” Patil, who heads the Maharashtra NCP unit, told reporters.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Amit Shah on Sunday launched the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune.

    Patil said there was no pressure on him to switch sides and he hasn’t held talks with anyone.

    “I attended the MVA meeting (on Saturday) for organizing the INDIA conclave in Mumbai. I am part of the organizing committee, so it is evident why such speculations are coming,” the senior NCP leader added.

    Patil also said that his only aim is to expand the NCP’s base.

    ALSO READ | Maha dilemma on LoP post to Congress; NCP still largest Opposition bloc claims Speaker

    Notably, Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs of NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government last month.

    Ajit took oath as Deputy Chief Minister and the eight MLAs as ministers.

    Since then, political circles in Maharashtra are rife with speculations about growing restlessness among MLAs who are in the Sharad Pawar camp.

    Meanwhile, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad also said that reports of Jayant Patil meeting Shah are wrong.

    “I will be with Sharad Pawar till my last breath,” he told reporters.

  • Congress dismisses Amit Shah’s Manipur discussion offer as ‘desperate bid to manage headlines’

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Reiterating its demand for a comprehensive statement by Prime Minister Modi on the Manipur crisis, the Congress on Monday termed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Lok Sabha expressing his willingness for a discussion on Manipur as a “desperate bid to manage headlines”.

    Amit Shah had earlier said that the government is willing to hold a discussion on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to allow the discussion to happen.

    “Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge all the members of the opposition that on a very sensitive issue, I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow discussion,” said Shah.

    ALSO READ | ‘Which holy river of this country..’: DMK MP’s poem captures agony of women in Manipur

    “I urge the leader of the opposition to allow the discussion to take place and it is important that the truth comes out,” he added.

    However, the Opposition remained adamant on their demand for a statement from the PM before any discussion is held.

    Taking a swipe at the Home Minister, AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh sought to know why the PM refused to speak on the issue inside Parliament.

    “Amit Shah is not doing anybody any special favour. The perfectly democratic and legitimate demand of the parties comprising INDIA is for a statement by the Prime Minister on the Manipur situation first followed by a discussion. The Home Minister is totally silent on this. What is the hesitation in getting the PM to speak inside Parliament first?” he asked.

    ALSO READ | PM should make statement on Manipur situation, MPs have valid demand: Former J-K governor Malik

    The Opposition has intensified its attack on the government after the video of two women being paraded naked by a dozen men sparked outrage last week. The Prime Minister during his customary interaction with media outside Parliament, said that ‘the entire country has been shamed and assured that the guilty will be punished.

    About 150 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes which broke out on May 3.

    Meanwhile. both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Monday after the presiding officers declined to hold a discussion under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions to discuss the Manipur issue in both Houses. The Parliament has not been functioning since the Monsoon session began on July 20.

    NEW DELHI: Reiterating its demand for a comprehensive statement by Prime Minister Modi on the Manipur crisis, the Congress on Monday termed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Lok Sabha expressing his willingness for a discussion on Manipur as a “desperate bid to manage headlines”.

    Amit Shah had earlier said that the government is willing to hold a discussion on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to allow the discussion to happen.

    “Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge all the members of the opposition that on a very sensitive issue, I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow discussion,” said Shah.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | ‘Which holy river of this country..’: DMK MP’s poem captures agony of women in Manipur

    “I urge the leader of the opposition to allow the discussion to take place and it is important that the truth comes out,” he added.

    However, the Opposition remained adamant on their demand for a statement from the PM before any discussion is held.

    Taking a swipe at the Home Minister, AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh sought to know why the PM refused to speak on the issue inside Parliament.

    “Amit Shah is not doing anybody any special favour. The perfectly democratic and legitimate demand of the parties comprising INDIA is for a statement by the Prime Minister on the Manipur situation first followed by a discussion. The Home Minister is totally silent on this. What is the hesitation in getting the PM to speak inside Parliament first?” he asked.

    ALSO READ | PM should make statement on Manipur situation, MPs have valid demand: Former J-K governor Malik

    The Opposition has intensified its attack on the government after the video of two women being paraded naked by a dozen men sparked outrage last week. The Prime Minister during his customary interaction with media outside Parliament, said that ‘the entire country has been shamed and assured that the guilty will be punished.

    About 150 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes which broke out on May 3.

    Meanwhile. both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Monday after the presiding officers declined to hold a discussion under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions to discuss the Manipur issue in both Houses. The Parliament has not been functioning since the Monsoon session began on July 20.

  • Shinde, Ajit men to meet Amit Shah as Maharashtra Cabinet’s rift over key portfolios deepens

    Express News Service

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

    MUMBAI:  A tug-of-war continues between Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP over allocations of key portfolios such as finance, urban development department, cooperation, irrigation and agriculture. Both sides have decided to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue.

    Sources said Shinde has refused to concede the key portfolios to NCP ministers, including Ajit Pawar, arguing that it will reduce his importance in the government.

    “Shinde has conveyed to the BJP leadership that unless Shiv Sena MLAs are sworn in, he will not allocate the portfolios to the NCP ministers. Shinde fears that after the allocation of portfolios to the NCP ministers, the BJP may not allow him further cabinet expansion. Shinde plans to meet top BJP leaders in Delhi,” said a source.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Another senior minister said the BJP has conveyed it will be reluctant to induct Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale and Sanjay Shirsat into the cabinet.

    “Shinde told the BJP leadership that if these two faces — Gogawale and Shirsat ­- are not inducted, then he will have a tough time keeping the flock together.  Most of the Shiv Sena MLAs of Shinde factions already started extending olive branches to Uddhav Thackeray and opening the communications line. If a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs join Uddhav Thackeray, then Shinde’s CM chair will be in trouble and his party will also face another split. This can damage the BJP. Therefore BJP needs to stand by him,” said a Shiv Sena minister.

    Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare, the state NCP chief (Ajit Pawar faction) said that there is no dispute over allocations of ministries.  

  • Centre expected to unveil new National Cooperation Policy in July this year

    By Agencies

    NEW DELHI:  The new National Cooperation Policy is expected to be unveiled in July after consulting all the stakeholders, including state governments, central ministries and departments as well as National Cooperatives, the Ministry of Cooperation said on Monday.

    The expected time was informed in a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah here earlier on Monday.

    A 49-member committee headed by former minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday submitted the draft new national cooperation policy, along with key recommendations, to Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who has shared further inputs based on which a revised draft will be prepared.

    The Committee members also briefed Shah about the objectives, vision and mission of the draft policy along with key recommendations in various sectors including structural reforms and governance, cooperatives as vibrant economic entities, level playing field for cooperatives, sources of capital and funds, inclusion of priority sections, use of technology, upskilling and training, sustainability and implementation plan.

    During the meeting, the Minister of Cooperation gave his guidance on how to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Sehkaar se Samriddhi’ and to strengthen the Cooperative movement at the grassroots level through the new policy.

    “As per the guidance received from the Minister of Cooperation, the Committee will prepare a revised draft. The new Cooperation Policy is expected to be unveiled in July 2023 after consulting all the stakeholders including state governments, central ministries and departments, and National Cooperatives,” said the Ministry.

    The current policy on cooperation was formulated in 2002 and a need was felt to draft a new national policy to deal with the changed economic scenario.

    Therefore, a committee was formed on September 2, 2022, to draft a new policy to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sehkaar se Samriddhi’.

    The drafting Committee, chaired by Suresh Prabhu, comprises members drawn from all over the country and various stakeholders such as officers of cooperation departments of various state governments, ministries and departments concerned with central government institutions like IRMA, RBI, National federations like IFFCO, NCCF, NAFCARD, NAFCUB, KRIBHCO, NFCSF, NCUI, NAFED, representatives from Cooperative Societies in various sectors, academicians and experts.

    The process of forming a new National Cooperation Policy was initiated when the concept was discussed in the conference of state cooperation secretaries held on the 12th and 13th of April 2022 and State Cooperation Ministers held on September 8 and September 9, 2022, which were inaugurated by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation.

    More than 500 suggestions were received from various stakeholders and the general public for the draft policy document. The National level Committee after its formation held more than eight meetings and also consulted various stakeholders to prepare the draft document. 

    (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

    NEW DELHI:  The new National Cooperation Policy is expected to be unveiled in July after consulting all the stakeholders, including state governments, central ministries and departments as well as National Cooperatives, the Ministry of Cooperation said on Monday.

    The expected time was informed in a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah here earlier on Monday.

    A 49-member committee headed by former minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday submitted the draft new national cooperation policy, along with key recommendations, to Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who has shared further inputs based on which a revised draft will be prepared.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Committee members also briefed Shah about the objectives, vision and mission of the draft policy along with key recommendations in various sectors including structural reforms and governance, cooperatives as vibrant economic entities, level playing field for cooperatives, sources of capital and funds, inclusion of priority sections, use of technology, upskilling and training, sustainability and implementation plan.

    During the meeting, the Minister of Cooperation gave his guidance on how to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Sehkaar se Samriddhi’ and to strengthen the Cooperative movement at the grassroots level through the new policy.

    “As per the guidance received from the Minister of Cooperation, the Committee will prepare a revised draft. The new Cooperation Policy is expected to be unveiled in July 2023 after consulting all the stakeholders including state governments, central ministries and departments, and National Cooperatives,” said the Ministry.

    The current policy on cooperation was formulated in 2002 and a need was felt to draft a new national policy to deal with the changed economic scenario.

    Therefore, a committee was formed on September 2, 2022, to draft a new policy to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sehkaar se Samriddhi’.

    The drafting Committee, chaired by Suresh Prabhu, comprises members drawn from all over the country and various stakeholders such as officers of cooperation departments of various state governments, ministries and departments concerned with central government institutions like IRMA, RBI, National federations like IFFCO, NCCF, NAFCARD, NAFCUB, KRIBHCO, NFCSF, NCUI, NAFED, representatives from Cooperative Societies in various sectors, academicians and experts.

    The process of forming a new National Cooperation Policy was initiated when the concept was discussed in the conference of state cooperation secretaries held on the 12th and 13th of April 2022 and State Cooperation Ministers held on September 8 and September 9, 2022, which were inaugurated by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation.

    More than 500 suggestions were received from various stakeholders and the general public for the draft policy document. The National level Committee after its formation held more than eight meetings and also consulted various stakeholders to prepare the draft document. 

    (With inputs from PTI and ANI)

  • Govt to set up inter-ministerial panel for food grain storage capacity in cooperative sector

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee (IMC), to be headed by Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, for the facilitation of food grain storage capacity in the cooperative sector through the convergence of various schemes of the Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food Processing ministries.

    The IMC will have Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal and Food Processing Minister Pashupati Paras and respective Secretaries as its members.

    Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told media persons after the cabinet meeting, that in order to ensure time-bound and uniform implementation of the storage plan in a professional manner, the Cooperation Ministry will implement a pilot project in at least 10 selected districts of different states in the country.

    आज की कैबिनेट बैठक में सहकारिता क्षेत्र में विश्व की सबसे बड़ी अन्न भंडारण योजना के अनुमति अनुमोदन पर आज निर्णय लिया गया है। अभी तक कुल 1450 लाख टन भंडारण की क्षमता है और अब 700 लाख टन भंडारण की क्षमता सहकारिता क्षेत्र में शुरू होगी।-श्री @ianuragthakur#CabinetDecision pic.twitter.com/BrEG3o7h9G
    — Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur (@Anurag_Office) May 31, 2023
    The pilot would provide valuable insights into the various regional requirements of the project, the learnings from which will be suitably incorporated for the country-wide implementation of the plan, he added.

    The committee will modify guidelines and ensure implementation methodologies of the schemes of the respective ministries as and when the need arises, within the approved outlays and prescribed goals, for facilitation of the proposed storage plan, by the creation of infrastructure such as warehouses for agriculture and allied purposes, at selected ‘viable’ primary agricultural credit societies (PACS).

    NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee (IMC), to be headed by Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, for the facilitation of food grain storage capacity in the cooperative sector through the convergence of various schemes of the Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food Processing ministries.

    The IMC will have Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal and Food Processing Minister Pashupati Paras and respective Secretaries as its members.

    Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told media persons after the cabinet meeting, that in order to ensure time-bound and uniform implementation of the storage plan in a professional manner, the Cooperation Ministry will implement a pilot project in at least 10 selected districts of different states in the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    आज की कैबिनेट बैठक में सहकारिता क्षेत्र में विश्व की सबसे बड़ी अन्न भंडारण योजना के अनुमति अनुमोदन पर आज निर्णय लिया गया है। अभी तक कुल 1450 लाख टन भंडारण की क्षमता है और अब 700 लाख टन भंडारण की क्षमता सहकारिता क्षेत्र में शुरू होगी।
    -श्री @ianuragthakur#CabinetDecision pic.twitter.com/BrEG3o7h9G
    — Office of Mr. Anurag Thakur (@Anurag_Office) May 31, 2023
    The pilot would provide valuable insights into the various regional requirements of the project, the learnings from which will be suitably incorporated for the country-wide implementation of the plan, he added.

    The committee will modify guidelines and ensure implementation methodologies of the schemes of the respective ministries as and when the need arises, within the approved outlays and prescribed goals, for facilitation of the proposed storage plan, by the creation of infrastructure such as warehouses for agriculture and allied purposes, at selected ‘viable’ primary agricultural credit societies (PACS).

  • In search for peace, Amit Shah holds talks with Kuki, Meitei leaders in violence-hit Manipur

    By PTI

    IMPHAL: As part of his mission to broker a lasting peace in the troubled Manipur state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday met a cross-section of Kuki and Meitei leaders and civil society groups besides top security officers to seek a solution to the spate of ethnic clashes which has plagued the state.

    Shah on Tuesday also visited Churachandpur, the scene of some of the worst rioting in the recent ethnic conflict which broke out in Manipur earlier to hold talks with Kuki leaders.

    He also held a series of discussions with different Meitei groups, women and prominent personalities earlier during the day in Imphal before flying to the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district.

    Later in the night, he also held an all-party meeting and a meeting with the top brass of central police forces, Manipur police and the army and ask them to ensure peace.

    In Imphal, Shah held consultations on Tuesday with stakeholders starting with a breakfast meeting with a group of women leaders at Raj Bhavan as part of his initiative to bring peace to the violence-hit state.

    “Held a meeting with a group of women leaders (Meira Paibi) in Manipur. Reiterated the significance of the role of women in the society of Manipur. Together, we are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state,” Shah tweeted.

    According to a home ministry spokesperson, Shah had a (separate) meeting with prominent personalities in Imphal in the morning who assured their commitment to peace and also conveyed that they would work towards restoring peace in the state.

    After that he met several CSO groups and prominent personalities from the Meitei community at the Secretariat before leaving for Churachandpur.

    “Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the different civil society organisations today in Imphal. They expressed their commitment to peace and assured that we would together contribute to paving the way to restore normalcy in Manipur,” he added.

    After meeting Shah, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) coordinator Jeetendra Ningomba said they requested the Union Home Minister to take appropriate measures to protect the territorial and administrative integrity of the state.

    He said that Shah had assured the delegation of no compromise on Manipur’s territorial integrity.

    Another group — award-winning international and national sportspersons from Manipur including Anita Chanu and N Kunjrani Devi — on Tuesday tried to meet him and later said at a press conference that they will return the prizes given to them by the government if the state’s territorial integrity is compromised.

    Shah who was accompanied by the IB chief and Home Secretary, held three rounds of talks with various groups such as Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and other civil society organisations. He also met five Kuki MLAs from the BJP.

    The Home Minister requested the Kuki society to maintain peace and assured he would send in more security personnel if needed to ensure the safety of common people, he added.

     ITLF secretary Muan Tombing told PTI, “He (Shah) told us that the CBI will be entrusted with carrying out a detailed probe to find out the reasons behind this prolonged clash. Besides, a judicial enquiry will also be announced.”

    Tombing said his group “demanded separation from Manipur” and also sought “President’s Rule” in the state.

    After coming back from Churachandpur, Shah Later in the evening, held an all-party meeting in Imphal.

    The Home Minister also reviewed the security situation with senior officials of Manipur Police, central police forces and the Indian Army. “Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority,” he said and instructed the officials to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace.

    Manipur has been hit by ethnic conflict for nearly a month and witnessed a sudden spurt in clashes and firing between militants and security forces on Sunday, after a relative lull for over a fortnight.

    The death toll from clashes has gone up to 80, officials said.

    The Home Minister who flew into Imphal on Monday night was accompanied by the Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka.

    Earlier in the day, the government announced it will provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the ethnic conflict and a job to a family member. The compensation amount will be borne equally by the Centre and the state, an official release said.

    The decision was taken at a meeting between the union Home minister and Biren Singh in the presence of some members of the council of ministers on Monday night.

    During the meeting, it was also decided to ensure that essential items such as petrol, LPG, rice and other foodgrains will be made available in large quantities to cool down rising prices.

    Shah will visit Moreh and Kangpokpi areas Wednesday. He will interact with the delegations of various local groups in Moreh followed by meeting with civil society organisations in Kangpokpi.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in Pune said that challenges in Manipur have not disappeared, but expressed hope that things will settle down in some time while noting the ongoing situation in the North Eastern state is not related to insurgency.

    “We are helping the state government with the problem,” he added.

    “I would like to say that the Army and Assam Rifles have done an excellent job there and may have saved a large number of lives. Hopefully, this will settle and the government there will be able to do the job with the help of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) etc,” the CDS said.

    IMPHAL: As part of his mission to broker a lasting peace in the troubled Manipur state, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Tuesday met a cross-section of Kuki and Meitei leaders and civil society groups besides top security officers to seek a solution to the spate of ethnic clashes which has plagued the state.

    Shah on Tuesday also visited Churachandpur, the scene of some of the worst rioting in the recent ethnic conflict which broke out in Manipur earlier to hold talks with Kuki leaders.

    He also held a series of discussions with different Meitei groups, women and prominent personalities earlier during the day in Imphal before flying to the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    Later in the night, he also held an all-party meeting and a meeting with the top brass of central police forces, Manipur police and the army and ask them to ensure peace.

    In Imphal, Shah held consultations on Tuesday with stakeholders starting with a breakfast meeting with a group of women leaders at Raj Bhavan as part of his initiative to bring peace to the violence-hit state.

    “Held a meeting with a group of women leaders (Meira Paibi) in Manipur. Reiterated the significance of the role of women in the society of Manipur. Together, we are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state,” Shah tweeted.

    According to a home ministry spokesperson, Shah had a (separate) meeting with prominent personalities in Imphal in the morning who assured their commitment to peace and also conveyed that they would work towards restoring peace in the state.

    After that he met several CSO groups and prominent personalities from the Meitei community at the Secretariat before leaving for Churachandpur.

    “Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the different civil society organisations today in Imphal. They expressed their commitment to peace and assured that we would together contribute to paving the way to restore normalcy in Manipur,” he added.

    After meeting Shah, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) coordinator Jeetendra Ningomba said they requested the Union Home Minister to take appropriate measures to protect the territorial and administrative integrity of the state.

    He said that Shah had assured the delegation of no compromise on Manipur’s territorial integrity.

    Another group — award-winning international and national sportspersons from Manipur including Anita Chanu and N Kunjrani Devi — on Tuesday tried to meet him and later said at a press conference that they will return the prizes given to them by the government if the state’s territorial integrity is compromised.

    Shah who was accompanied by the IB chief and Home Secretary, held three rounds of talks with various groups such as Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and other civil society organisations. He also met five Kuki MLAs from the BJP.

    The Home Minister requested the Kuki society to maintain peace and assured he would send in more security personnel if needed to ensure the safety of common people, he added.

     ITLF secretary Muan Tombing told PTI, “He (Shah) told us that the CBI will be entrusted with carrying out a detailed probe to find out the reasons behind this prolonged clash. Besides, a judicial enquiry will also be announced.”

    Tombing said his group “demanded separation from Manipur” and also sought “President’s Rule” in the state.

    After coming back from Churachandpur, Shah Later in the evening, held an all-party meeting in Imphal.

    The Home Minister also reviewed the security situation with senior officials of Manipur Police, central police forces and the Indian Army. “Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority,” he said and instructed the officials to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace.

    Manipur has been hit by ethnic conflict for nearly a month and witnessed a sudden spurt in clashes and firing between militants and security forces on Sunday, after a relative lull for over a fortnight.

    The death toll from clashes has gone up to 80, officials said.

    The Home Minister who flew into Imphal on Monday night was accompanied by the Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka.

    Earlier in the day, the government announced it will provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of those who died in the ethnic conflict and a job to a family member. The compensation amount will be borne equally by the Centre and the state, an official release said.

    The decision was taken at a meeting between the union Home minister and Biren Singh in the presence of some members of the council of ministers on Monday night.

    During the meeting, it was also decided to ensure that essential items such as petrol, LPG, rice and other foodgrains will be made available in large quantities to cool down rising prices.

    Shah will visit Moreh and Kangpokpi areas Wednesday. He will interact with the delegations of various local groups in Moreh followed by meeting with civil society organisations in Kangpokpi.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in Pune said that challenges in Manipur have not disappeared, but expressed hope that things will settle down in some time while noting the ongoing situation in the North Eastern state is not related to insurgency.

    “We are helping the state government with the problem,” he added.

    “I would like to say that the Army and Assam Rifles have done an excellent job there and may have saved a large number of lives. Hopefully, this will settle and the government there will be able to do the job with the help of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) etc,” the CDS said.

  • Amit Shah to visit violence-hit Manipur, calls for peace through dialogue

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said he would soon visit violence-hit Manipur for three days and talk to “all brothers and sisters” for re-establishing peace in the state.

    “Some clashes occurred in Manipur due to a court judgement. I want to tell my Manipur brothers that we should maintain peace. People belonging to both groups (Meiteis and Kukis) have to first decide on maintaining peace,” Shah said from Guwahati.

    He was speaking at a programme organised to lay the foundation stone for a National Forensic Science University in Assam.

    He assured that everyone would get justice but warned the perpetrators of the violence, stating they would not be spared. He appealed to people to keep their faith and trust in the Narendra Modi government.

    ALSO READ | ‘Nothing is readily available’: Cylinders at Rs 2000, costly petrol singe strife-hit Manipuris

    “We marched forward in Manipur for six years (under the BJP). There was no bandh or blockade. We will peacefully resolve the conflict. I will soon visit Manipur for three days and talk to all brothers and sisters for establishing peace,” Shah said.

    He said the people of Manipur could bring peace. He appealed to them to remove distrust and march ahead in the process of peace. “The road to peace has to be explored and I believe peace can be established through dialogue,” the home minister said.

    Earlier in the day, the Congress criticised him for not visiting Manipur.

    “The Union Home Minister goes all the way to Guwahati today, but does not deem it fit to visit Imphal when Manipur has been burning for 22 days. This is the same Union Home Minister who held 16 rallies and 15 road shows in Karnataka, but cannot find time for the people of Manipur who are suffering a lot due to the ideology and politics of the so-called Double Engine Sarkar,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

    At least 71 people had lost their lives, over 1,700 houses were burned down and 35,000 people displaced in the violence which broke out on May 3 after a “Tribal Solidarity March” organised by a tribal students’ organisation in the state’s all ten hill districts to oppose the move for the inclusion of Meiteis – the state’s largest community – in the Scheduled Tribes list.

    The High Court of Manipur had asked the state government to consider the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list.

    GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said he would soon visit violence-hit Manipur for three days and talk to “all brothers and sisters” for re-establishing peace in the state.

    “Some clashes occurred in Manipur due to a court judgement. I want to tell my Manipur brothers that we should maintain peace. People belonging to both groups (Meiteis and Kukis) have to first decide on maintaining peace,” Shah said from Guwahati.

    He was speaking at a programme organised to lay the foundation stone for a National Forensic Science University in Assam.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He assured that everyone would get justice but warned the perpetrators of the violence, stating they would not be spared. He appealed to people to keep their faith and trust in the Narendra Modi government.

    ALSO READ | ‘Nothing is readily available’: Cylinders at Rs 2000, costly petrol singe strife-hit Manipuris

    “We marched forward in Manipur for six years (under the BJP). There was no bandh or blockade. We will peacefully resolve the conflict. I will soon visit Manipur for three days and talk to all brothers and sisters for establishing peace,” Shah said.

    He said the people of Manipur could bring peace. He appealed to them to remove distrust and march ahead in the process of peace. “The road to peace has to be explored and I believe peace can be established through dialogue,” the home minister said.

    Earlier in the day, the Congress criticised him for not visiting Manipur.

    “The Union Home Minister goes all the way to Guwahati today, but does not deem it fit to visit Imphal when Manipur has been burning for 22 days. This is the same Union Home Minister who held 16 rallies and 15 road shows in Karnataka, but cannot find time for the people of Manipur who are suffering a lot due to the ideology and politics of the so-called Double Engine Sarkar,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted.

    At least 71 people had lost their lives, over 1,700 houses were burned down and 35,000 people displaced in the violence which broke out on May 3 after a “Tribal Solidarity March” organised by a tribal students’ organisation in the state’s all ten hill districts to oppose the move for the inclusion of Meiteis – the state’s largest community – in the Scheduled Tribes list.

    The High Court of Manipur had asked the state government to consider the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list.