Amit Shah suggests ITLF an alternate site for burial of deceased Kuki

Imphal: A delegation of Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) had a meeting with Union Home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, on Wednesday.

The meeting was held as a follow-up of the appeal issued by the Government of India on August 3, to amicably resolve the issue of burial of the mortal remains of the victims of ethnic violence in Manipur. 

On the request of the ITLF leaders, the land of the Industry department at government Sericulture Farm may be alloted for burial of the mortal remains. Amit Shah assured that the said land will only be utilised for a common public purpose in consultation with ITLF and other stakeholders. 

The Government of India requested the delegation not to insist on carrying out the burial programme at the same venue, which falls within the conflict zone and identify. “An alternate location in consultation with DC Churachandpur and perform the burial at the earliest.” 

The delegation assured that in view of the request by the minister, they will finalise an alternate location in consultation with the people.

Taking note of the apprehensions of the residents of the hills on their safety and security, the Home minister assured that the deployment of the central forces in the state will be further strengthened and reoriented to plug vulnerable gap areas. The state forces will operate under the direction of the state security advisor and in conjunction with the  entral forces in the hill areas. Necessary arrangements will also be made to facilitate transportation and identification of dead bodies of victims of ethnic strife lying in Imphal to their respective hometowns.

The government has also assured to facilitate early initiation of helicopter services for the residents of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Moreh areas to their preferred destinations.

Considering the difficulties being faced by the student community of the hill areas, necessary steps will be taken to allow students to enrol in colleges in hill areas, transfer to universities outside the state and open student facilitation centres of Manipur University in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

While assuring that the condition of the prison inmates will be monitored regularly, the government also assured that a separate office of the Justice Lamba Inquiry Commisson will be set up in Churachandpur will immediate effect.

It also urged the cooperation and support of ITLF and the Kuki-community in early disposal of the moral remains of the victims of the ethnic violence, construction of pre-fabricated housing for internally displaced persons and restoration of peace in the state to enable progress in the peace talks for revolving the long term issue of the community expeditiously.