CBI Registers Six FIRs, Forms Special Investigation Team To Probe Cases Of Ethnic Violence In Manipur

A Special Investigation Team, led by a DIG-level officer, has been set up by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate six FIRs related to ethnic violence resulting in almost 100 casualties in Manipur.

The SIT comprises 10 officers.

During his trip to the northeastern state, Home Minister Amit Shah declared that there would be a CBI enquiry into six FIRs. Five of them are alleged criminal conspiracy, while one is general conspiracy over the violence in Manipur.

According to news agency PTI, the CBI formed the SIT based on a recommendation from the state via the Union government and has assumed control of the probe.

Shah visited Manipur for four days to assess the security situation and reconcile the strife between Kukis and Meiteis that has disrupted the state since May.

During his visit to Churachandpur, one of the worst-affected districts, Shah held private discussions with Zo-Kuki civil society and tribe leaders. He first met with civil society organisation leaders, women's groups, student bodies, and tribe representatives, with discussions lasting around an hour.

Shah has reportedly offered numerous guarantees aside from an independent investigation, such as the CBI's involvement in selected cases without the intervention of state officers, direct benefit for the rehabilitation of those who incurred a loss of life and property, provision of relief materials to the state, and helpline numbers in Imphal and Churachandpur.

The ongoing violence in Manipur has caused a death toll of 98, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. The number of injured people stands at 310, and the recorded cases of arson are at 4,014.

The police have recovered 144 stolen arms along with 11 magazines. The weapons seized include 29 self-loading rifles, 15 carbines, 12 INSAS rifles, and 10 grenade launchers, among others.

As many as 3,734 FIRs have been registered, with Imphal West topping the list at 1,257, followed by Kangpokpi (932) and Bishnupur (844), as per the statement.