Timely intervention by Centre saved Manipur: PM Modi
Timely intervention by Centre saved Manipur: PM Modi

NEW DELHI ( Agency) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed the need for collective responsibility to deal with Manipur situation sensitively and said there has been a marked improvement in the situation due to timely intervention of Centre and efforts made by the state government.

In an interview to Assam Tribune, Prime Minister Modi said Centre has dedicated its best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the Manipur conflict. “Home minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur while the conflict was at its peak, holding 15-plus meetings with various stakeholders to help resolve the conflict. The Central government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the state government,” the Prime Minister said.

“The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the state,” he added. Manipur plunged into turmoil in May last year when ethnic clashes broke out in the state after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe(ST) status.

As the Meitei organised counter-protests and blockades, clashes spread across Manipur. Over 160 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured in the clashes. Congress had earlier criticized the Centre for the “increasing instability and unrest” in various Northeastern states during PM Modi’s visit to Assam. The opposition party had raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s absence from Manipur, a state experiencing violence.

(Courtesy: TOI)