Indian leader warns tribal insurgents in north-eastern Manipur against disrupting peace
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Manipur has been on edge after an explosion of inter-ethnic violence this month killed at least 70 people.
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NEW DELHI – India’s federal government warned tribal insurgent groups not to disrupt the peace in the north-eastern state of Manipur bordering Myanmar where recent ethnic clashes
Insurgents will be dealt with strictly if they violate a ceasefire agreement struck 15 years ago, Home Minister Amit Shah said at a press conference in the state capital of Imphal on Thursday.
He urged them to surrender illegally obtained weapons.
“Police will start combing operations from tomorrow,” he said.
The suspension of operations agreement signed between the authorities and Kuki armed groups in 2008 requires their cadres to confine themselves in designated camps.
The state government has blamed these groups for exacerbating the clashes which began in early May.
Ahead of Mr Shah’s visit to the restive state, India’s security forces this week killed about 40 people from tribal groups identified as militants, part of an ongoing security operation.
Violence erupted primarily between the Kukis and the majority Meitei Hindu residents.
There had been a demand that Meiteis be granted access forest lands, jobs and places in educational institutions set aside for tribal communities under the government’s affirmative action guarantees.
Mr Shah also announced the formation of a judiciary commission to investigate the clashes, and a peace committee.
The federal government will also provide a relief and rehabilitation package, he said.
The Indian authorities should impartially investigate the ongoing killings by ethnic groups and security forces in Manipur state and work with community leaders to restore security, the Human Rights Watch said earlier this week.
“The violence in Manipur state since early May has left communities devastated, and it’s crucial for the government to restore order in a rights-respecting manner and hold to account those responsible for abuses,” said Ms Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
The north-eastern states lag behind most of India in terms of development.
Government jobs are the main source of employment in the region.
The anger highlights the challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration to generate more employment, especially as he seeks a third term in office in national elections due next year. BLOOMBERG
