In response to the ongoing violence in Manipur, the Centre has announced the establishment of a peace committee, led by Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Peace Committee in Manipur is chaired by the Governor of Manipur and includes several key members. These members consist of the Chief Minister, select ministers from the state government, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and leaders from various political parties. Additionally, the committee comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as former civil servants, educationists, litterateurs, artists, social workers, and representatives from different ethnic groups.
The committee’s primary objective is to facilitate the peace-building process among the various ethnic groups in the state. While the MHA has stated that representatives from different ethnic groups will be included in the committee, it has been reported that the state government is in contact with several Kuki groups who have requested additional time to consider participation. On the other hand, it is understood that several Meitei representatives have agreed to join the committee.
In the meantime, the MHA has decided to extend the deployment of 114 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Manipur until June 30. Reports suggest that approximately 4,000 arms, including advanced weaponry, and over 5.5 lakh rounds of ammunition, which were reportedly stolen from government armories, are still unaccounted for.
Furthermore, the MHA has extended the deployment of 114 companies of CAPFs in the state till June 30. “It has been decided to extend the deployment of 114 companies – 52 companies of CRPF, 10 Rapid Action Force, 43 companies of BSF, four companies of ITBP and five companies of SSB — upto June 30,” the MHA said.
