IMPHAL: With violence in Manipur showing no signs of abating, the Centre today decided to send 50 additional companies (5,000 personnel) of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to the strife-torn state even as the ruling BJP found itself under mounting pressure to replace Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The RSS too weighed in, seeking “sincere efforts for an early resolution of the conflict”. The decision to send additional troops was taken at a high-level meeting held by Home Minister Amit Shah with top ministry officials to review the situation in the state. A day after the NPP withdrew support to the BJP-led government, its chief Conrad Sangma today said the move was “specific to the individual” — Biren Singh.
“This withdrawal of support is specific to Biren Singh. If we see a change in leadership, a positive step forward, and a plan to find a resolution and constructively contribute to the return of peace and normalcy, we will be happy to work together again,” Sangma said.
The Manipur unit of the RSS, in a statement, called upon the Centre and the state to “work sincerely for the resolution of the Manipur conflict which had remained unresolved for 19 months”.
The RSS statement also condemned brutal violence against women and children.
Meanwhile in Imphal, Biren Singh dug in his heels and convened a meeting of the NDA to discuss the law and order situation.
The state government later announced a two-member committee to investigate the death of a protester in police firing in Jiribam on November 17 — the trigger for the latest escalation — to see if there was any foul play. The report is to be submitted in 30 days.
BJP sources in Delhi were tightlipped about the fate of Biren Singh and said the party was waiting and watching.
The sources, however, said Biren Singh now appeared unable to even handle Meiteis (his own community), some of whom had been attacking the residences of MLAs and even CM’s son-in-law.
“There is a sense that Biren Singh has been unable to handle the situation but the party will tread cautiously,” a leader said.
Asked about the Manipur violence and Birender Singh, BJP’s North-East in-charge Sambit Patra said, “I choose to stay silent rather than say something controversial.”
During the meeting, Shah directed paramilitary heads and senior officials of the Home Ministry to ensure adequate deployment of forces to ensure stability in the state. Violence had spread after the recovery of five bodies of a family of six, who were reportedly killed by militants during an attack on a relief camp.
The body of the sixth family member, a woman, was found floating in the Barak river in Assam on Monday.
The meeting was also attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka and CAPF heads.
CRPF Director General Anish Dayal is already in Imphal to monitor the situation. As many as 218 CAPF companies are already stationed in the state.
Meanwhile, a protester was killed in firing during a clash between the security forces and a mob that was vandalising properties at Babupara in Jiribam district, the police said on Monday. The deceased has been identified as K Athouba, who was in his twenties.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi attacked Shah and the Centre for failing to gauge the situation in Manipur. Meanwhile, security has been bolstered in the state capital, particularly around CM Biren’s residence and the Raj Bhavan, with vehicle movement heavily restricted in the affected areas.
Chief Mininster N Biren Singh held an emergency meeting with ministers and MLAs of the ruling NDA to review the law and order situation, a day after the NPP pulled out of BJP-led government.
Amid protests and violence, the Manipur Government has ordered the closure of all government schools, colleges and universities till November 19. It also extended the Internet ban in 7 districts till November 20.