Amit Shah Cancels Maharashtra Rallies, Focuses on Manipur Security Crisis
New Delhi, 18th November 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who cancelled his election rallies in Maharashtra to assess the security situation in Manipur, is scheduled for further discussions with top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today.
Violence erupted across the Imphal Valley districts on Saturday as mobs attacked the homes of several MLAs and destroyed property following the recovery of bodies of women and children. Shah conducted a review of the security situation in Manipur yesterday and instructed MHA officials to take all necessary measures to restore peace in the region.
The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that security forces have been directed to act swiftly to re-establish order, as the situation in the state has remained unstable in recent days. The ministry also noted that armed groups from both conflicting communities have been involved in violent acts, leading to casualties and disruption of public order.
“Anyone involved in violent or disruptive activities will face strict legal action,” the MHA said in its statement.
BJP MLAs are set to meet with Chief Minister N Biren Singh today at 6 pm to review the situation, according to officials. This comes after the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew its support for the BJP-led government in Manipur, with Meghalaya’s chief minister accusing his Manipur counterpart of failing to control the unrest between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, which has disrupted normal life in the state.
To address the unrest, a total curfew has been imposed in Imphal West and Imphal East towns, and internet services have been suspended in parts of the state. New restrictions on internet services have been implemented in Jiribam and Pherazwal districts for the next two days.
“The curfew is in place in the town until further notice and internet and mobile data services have been suspended for two days. SSPs and COs are actively engaged in managing the law-and-order situation,” stated the Manipur Police.
Since May of the previous year, more than 250 people have been killed, and around 60,000 displaced due to ongoing clashes between communities over government policies related to grants, jobs, and educational quotas.
