Manipur: MHA to take action against state militant groups for possessing illegal weapons

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said that stringent action will be taken against the state militants for possessing illegal weapons following the suspension of operation (SoO).

N Biren Singh further conveyed the Union Home Minister's heartfelt condolences to the people of Manipur for the loss of lives and destruction of properties. 

Addressing the media, Manipur CM N Biren Singh said, "Yesterday we met Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed on details on the state...he (Amit Shah) expressed his sadness on the incident."

Further Singh asserted that Amit Shah asked the state government to bring back normalcy in the state irrespective of caste and religion.
 

Also Read: Manipur Violence: CM N Biren Singh meets Amit Shah in Delhi, updates about ground situation in violence-hit state

With regards to the suspension of operation (SoO) with the militant groups, with Kuki National Army and Zomi Revolutionary Army, Amit Shah assured the people of the state that as per the rules of the agreement, joint monitoring committee along with the army and state police have jointly inspected many camps and found the weapons still intact with the group.
 

"Amit Shah said that these kinds of issues will be dealt with firmly for possessing illegal weapons and legal action will be taken, said CM Biren Singh.
 

The Union Home Minister assured that the Centre would firmly deal with the prevailing situation of the State and restoring peace and normalcy is his utmost priority, he added. He also gave assurance that the unity and integrity of the State would not be affected at any cost, he added. 
 

Informing on what had been assured by Amit Shah during the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that a Joint Monitoring Committee, consisting of the State and the Central forces, had been taking up steps to make militants under Suspension of Operation (So0) return to their designated camps. 
 

They are also checking on whether groups possessing guns, other than the militant groups under So0, are involved in causing violence. 
 

The Chief Minister informed that the Home Minister had also asked to submit details on what can be done for those people affected by the recent violence and also assured to arrange for resettlement of the affected people soon.
 

N Biren Singh appealed to all the public not to carry out any form of the rally, sit-in- protest or use of slogans, adding that such activities could hamper the initiatives taken up to restore peace and normalcy in the State.
 

The State Government is taking up all possible steps to restore normalcy in the State. He continued that paramilitary forces had been deployed at the foothills and essential items needed for people staying at shelter camps opened at various places had been looked into. 
 

He appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and unverified information, adding that the prevailing situation is very crucial and if not controlled, can affect the peaceful co-existence of our future generation. He sought the support of Civil Society Organizations in the State Government's effort to restore peace and normalcy. 

 

He appealed to the people of Manipur to render support and cooperation in bringing normalcy to the State, setting aside what had happened in the past. Power Minister Thongam Biswajit, MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, IPR Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan and Deputy Chairman, of State Planning Board Sorokhaibam Rajen were also present during the press briefing.