EAM Jaishankar says in Manipur migrants are main problem

New York: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that efforts are underway to normalize the situation in conflict-hit Manipur.

Jaishankar said both the Central and Manipur governments are working to find a way to ensure the return of normalcy in the state.
Notably, Manipur has been on the boil since May 3 following ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the state.

At least 175 people were killed and thousands displaced as a result of communal clashes and widespread violence in Manipur.
The Indian minister also blamed ‘migrants’ for the ‘problem’ of violence in the northeastern state of Manipur.

“I think part of the problem in Manipur has been the destabilizing effect of the refugees who have come,” said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Jaishankar made the comments while responding to a question on the situation in Manipur at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Tuesday (September 26).
The Indian minister said: “I think there is an effort on the part of the state government and the central government to find a way to bring back a sense of normalcy.”

It may be noted that Manipur, especially in the valley regions of the state, is experiencing fresh tension after the brutal ‘murder’ of two Met students at the hands of suspected Kuki militants.
On Tuesday (September 26), riot-torn Manipur valleys sparked mass demonstrations and protests after pictures of two MET students – a man and a woman – surfaced on social media.

The two young students went missing on July 6 during the height of communal violence in Manipur, and were later allegedly ‘murdered’ by suspected Kuki militants.
According to the timeline shown in the photos that went viral on social media, the photos were taken on July 8 – two days after she went missing.

Luwangbi, after attending her coaching class, later went out with the barber for a ride on her KTM bike on July 6. She has not returned home since.
Earlier this month, United Nations (UN) experts raised the alarm over reports of serious human rights violations and abuses in Manipur.

UN experts expressed concern at reports of alleged sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, destruction of homes, forced displacement, torture and ill-treatment.
“We are appalled by the reports and images of gender-based violence that has targeted hundreds of women and girls of all ages, and in particular the Kuki ethnic minority. The alleged violence includes gang rape, This includes stripping women on the streets, severely beating them and burning them alive or dead.