Manipur Chief Minister says convoy attack ‘shameful’, orders high-level probe

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has called the June 10 attack on his convoy “a matter of shame”.

“Yes, it is a matter of shame for me that my security convoy was attacked in my own state and I feel the worst about this, Singh told India Today TV, upon being asked about the safety arrangements in the state amid the ongoing violence, and how he plans to keep the people of the state safe.

“The Chief Secretary has been asked to carry out a high-level probe in connection with the attack on my convoy,” the Chief Minister said. “How the militants got information about the passage of the convoy is a matter of investigation,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s convoy was ambushed by suspected militants in Kangpokpi district, leaving one injured. The incident happened while the convoy was on its way to violence-hit Jiribam district.

Multiple gunshots were fired at the vehicles of the security forces, who retaliated. The driver of one of the convoy vehicles suffered bullet injuries on his right shoulder, and was admitted to a hospital.

A YEAR OF VIOLENCE IN MANIPUR
Manipur has remained gripped by recurring bouts of violence since ethnic clashes between Kuki and Meitei communities erupted on May 3, 2023.

Over 219 people have been killed in the violence.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mainly in the hill districts. Even after a year of violence, the incidents of violence have only reduced, but have not been curbed.

In a ground report, India Today also questioned Chief Minister Biren Singh about the overall security situation in the state, to which he asserted that the situation had improved after the centre deployed security forces in the state.

He also said it would take time to stop incidents of violence entirely. “The situation in Manipur has remained tense since the past, when the violence first erupted. However, after the deployment of security forces, the situation in the state has improved,” he said.

“It would take time to entirely stop violence in the state, a political dialogue is necessary,” he added. “Sporadic incidents of violence have recently been reported in some places,” the Chief Minister acknowledged.

The Chief Minister also asserted the violence in Manipur is between illegal immigrants and terrorists from Myanmar, who were illegally settling in Manipur and were involved in drug businesses. Singh, however, pinned his hopes on Modi 3.0 government and claimed that peace would be restored in the state in the next two to three months.

He said the central government was making all efforts to bring the situation under control.

FIRE AT BUILDING NEAR CHIEF MINISTER’s HOUSE
On Saturday evening, a major fire broke out in an abandoned building near the Manipur secretariat complex close to the Chief Minister’s official bungalow. Three fire tenders were pressed into service, and they put out the blaze within an hour.

No damage was caused to the Chief Minister’s bungalow, where security was tightened following the fire incident. The reason for the fire in the private abandoned building was yet to be ascertained, an official told news agency PTI.

The building belonged to the family of late IAS officer T Kipgen, former chief secretary of Goa, and the house has been abandoned since violence broke out in Manipur last year.