A retd HC judge will monitor probe of Manipur clashes by CBI

Imphal: The Center has announced several measures to check and contain the communal clashes that have erupted in Manipur, including a judicial inquiry into the conflict that has claimed several lives so far.
Addressing a press briefing in Imphal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the central government has appointed a special team headed by a retired high court judge to oversee the CBI’s special team investigation into the incidents of violence in the northeastern state. A committee has been formed.
“Several agencies are working to investigate the violent incidents in Manipur. Six incidents of violence are being probed by the high-level CBI which points to a conspiracy. We will ensure that the investigation is fair. ” said Shah.
Shah said relief and rehabilitation arrangements have been made for those affected by the conflict, with both the Center and the state giving Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the violence. He added that the Governor of Manipur will head a peace committee with civil society members.
Shah added that the central government has provided 8 teams of medical experts including 20 doctors to Manipur to provide assistance to the victims of violence in the state. 5 teams have already arrived here and 3 others are on the way.
Shah is on a four-day visit to violence-hit Manipur to broker peace between warring communities. During his visit to the state, he chaired meetings with security forces and civil authorities and interacted with various stakeholders.
“I have visited several places in Manipur in the last three days including Imphal, Mora and Churachandpur and held meetings with officials to restore peace in the state. I met with CSOs of Meitei and Kuki communities. met,” he said.
Last month, violence erupted in Manipur when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized by the Meitei community in the hill districts to protest their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
After more than a fortnight of relative lull, the state witnessed a sudden spike in clashes and gunfire between militants and security forces on Sunday.

According to officials, more than 80 people have been killed in the violence so far.