Will ensure refugees get back home: Shah

Shah visited the Kuki-dominated town of Moreh, one of the worst hit by the clashes that have left 80 people dead since May 3.

- Utpal Parashar

The government is committed to restoring peace in Manipur as soon as possible and ensuring the return of refugees to their homes, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Monday, completing the third day of his trip to the strife-torn state by visiting border regions and talking to groups on both sides of the ethnic divide.

Shah visited the Kuki-dominated town of Moreh on the border with Myanmar and Kangpokpi district, one of the worst hit by the clashes that have left 80 people dead since May 3. He also went to relief camps in Kangpokpi and Imphal, and later held a security review meeting with top officials in the state capital.

"Our resolve remains focused on leading Manipur back to the track of peace and harmony once again and their return to their homes at the earliest," said a government statement, quoting Shah.

The minister assured people in Moreh and Kangpokpi that the supply of essential items in hill areas and helicopter services for emergency needs in Churachandpur, Moreh and Kangpokpi will be ensured, the statement added.

Shah arrived in Manipur on Monday night and held talks with chief minister N Biren Singh, senior officers, and governor Anasuiya Uikey. On Tuesday, he reviewed the security situation, held an all-party meeting and met delegations from Meitei and Kuki communities that are on either side of the raging conflict.