The security advisor to the Manipur government, Kuldiep Singh, said on June 3 that peace is returning to the state after a wave of ethnic clashes and violence, and normalcy is being restored.
Singh stated that there have been no incidents of firing or burning in Manipur in the last 24 hours. He mentioned that peace efforts are underway in Manipur in close coordination with civil society members. Furthermore, Singh affirmed that normalcy is being restored and there have been no incidents of firing or arson in Manipur within the past 24 hours. Additionally, joint security forces, including the Assam Rifles, have recovered 35 arms and 88 bombs through multiple operations in the last 24 hours.
On Friday, the state police reported that a total of 140 weapons had been surrendered at various locations across the state in response to an appeal made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit.
The surrendered weapons included 29 SLRs, carbines, AK rifles, INSAS rifles, INSAS LMGs, .303 rifles, 9mm pistols, .32 pistols, M16 rifles, smoke guns, tear gas, locally made pistols, stun guns, modified rifles, JVPs, and a grenade launcher, as informed by the Manipur Police.
According to the police, the situation is “normal” in most districts, and curfew has been relaxed for different durations in various areas: 12 hours (from 5 am to 5 pm) in Imphal West, 8 hours in Imphal East and Bishnupur, 8 hours (from 8 am to 4 pm) in Jiribam, 7 hours (from 5 am to 12 pm) in Thoubal and Kakching, 10 hours (from 5 am to 3 pm) in Churachandpur and Chandel, 8 hours (from 6 am to 2 pm) in Tengnoupal, 11 hours (from 6 am to 5 pm) in Kangpokpi, and 12 hours (from 6 am to 6 pm) in Pherzawl.
On the last day of his four-day visit to the Northeast state, Amit Shah held a press conference in Imphal. He urged all communities and sections of society in violence-hit Manipur to maintain peace, engage in discussions, promote harmony, and surrender their weapons to the police. Shah warned that strict action would be taken against those found in possession of weapons during police combing operations. He also appealed to the people not to pay heed to rumours and to maintain peace and harmony. The Home Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the Manipur violence.
Furthermore, Shah informed that a judicial commission would be established, chaired by a retired Chief Justice of the High Court, to investigate the Manipur violence. Additionally, a peace committee would be formed, headed by the Governor, with representation from all sections of society.
