Manipur violence: Governor gives nod to shoot at sight orders in 'extreme cases'
Imphal (Manipur), May 4: Manipur Governor on Thursday authorised all District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates/Special Executive Magistrates to issue Shoot at sight orders 'in extreme cases.'
"In view of the prevailing law and order situation, following the unwanted incidents that occurred at the Tribal Solidarity March 2023 held on 03-05-2023 and in order to maintain public order and tranquillity in the State, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to authorize all District Magistrates, Sub- Divisional Magistrates and all Executive Magistrates/ Special Executive Magistrates detailed by the District Magistrates concerned to issue Shoot at sight orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted under the provisions of law under CrPC, 1973 and the situation could not be controlled," an official statement issued by the office of Manipur Governor said.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a telephonic conversation with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation in the State where law and order were disrupted following marches by tribal groups in several districts. Shah was apprised of the present situation and the steps being taken by the State government to control it.
On the orders of the Union home ministry, five companies of the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) Rapid Action Force (RAF) were airlifted to violence-torn Manipur on Thursday.
Following clashes in various parts of Manipur following a tribal groups' mass rally, Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that the incidents were the result of a "prevailing misunderstanding between two communities."
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"The government is taking all the measures to maintain the law and order situation in the state. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas. We are committed to protecting the lives and property of all our people. Long-term grievances of different communities will also be suitably addressed in due course in consultation with the people and their representatives," Singh added.
Earlier, violence erupted during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' held by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the Torbung area of Churachandpur district to protest the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley.
Thousands of tribals, who make up over 40% of the state's population, marched in the procession, waving placards and chanting slogans opposing ST status for the Meitei.
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- ANI
