Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey visits relief camp in Imphal; blames foreign hand in violence

Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Thursday visited a relief camp in Imphal and met with the people who have been displaced by the ethnic violence that has claimed more than 140 lives in the state.

The Governor visited the relief camp at Naorem Birahari College at Khundrakpam in Imphal East district, where 296 people were taking refuge from the ongoing violence, according to an official statement.

“Hon’ble Governor of Manipur Miss Anusuiya Uikey visited a relief camp opened at Naorem Birahari College at Khundrakpam in Imphal East district today and heard about the grievances and hardships faced by the people there and assured them to extend all possible help,” the Raj Bhavan in Manipur posted on Twitter.

While discussing the hardships and challenges faced by the people in the camp, Governor Uikey promised that all kinds of help will be provided to the victims, and enquired about the facilities that the camp residents were receiving.

The Governor directed the district administration and the Chief Secretary to provide the camp residents with whatever amenities displaced people in the camp requested.

Governor Uikey further instructed the district administration to initiate skill training for the displaced people at the camp.

“With the Centre’s help, the state government is making all efforts to bring the situation to normal where all the communities including the Meiteis and Kukis can live together as usual,” the Governor told the people at the camp.

Governor Uikey emphasised the role of meaningful dialogue in bringing permanent peace to the state. “Only then [after dialogue] peace and normalcy will be restored. More than 60,000 security personnel have been deployed in the State for the same,” she said.

“Search operations to nab miscreants have been continued and a large amount of arms have been recovered. Bunkers have also been removed in many places.”

Compensation to be provided for property damage: Gov Anusuiya Uikey

Governor Anusuiya Uikey further elaborated on the state government’s plan to resettle the displaced people. “As a temporary measure, pre-fabricated houses are being built at Sawombung and the displaced people will be there until the situation permits them to return to their respective places,” she said.

“Adequate compensation will also be given to the people for their burnt houses and properties,” she added.

External forces at play in Manipur violence, says Governor

During her interactions with the camp residents, the Governor expressed her concerns at the reports of external forces – giving the example of neighbouring Myanmar – being involved in stoking the ethnic tensions in the state.

“I have come to know that some people from outside have come; forces are apprehending them for your security. Outsiders have come and are creating this kind of situation,” she said. “We will push them outside Manipur. People from Myanmar are also coming and creating disturbances. So we have to stop them.”