NEW DELHI: CBI
The CBI on Friday said it has registered six FIRs and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe whether there was a conspiracy behind the recent violent clashes in Manipur. The SIT will be led by a DIG-rank officer, said officials.The move comes a day after the Manipur government had recommended six cases (including criminal conspiracy case to ascertain whether the ethnic violence was pre-planned; murder and arson) to the Centre for a probe by the premier investigative agency.
The home ministry passed on the list of FIRs to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), under which CBI operates.
More than 98 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, which began on May 3.
Later on, there were several clashes between extremist elements and paramilitary forces sent in to control the situation.
Around 35,000 people have been displaced due to the violence.
So far, 3,734 FIRs have been registered, the maximum being in Imphal district at 1,257, followed by Kangpokpi (932) and Bishnupur (844).
On Thursday, security advisor Kuldiep Singh said no incident of violence was reported “in the last 48 hours” and the “situation in Manipur remained peaceful and under control”. He said 27 arms, 245 ammunition and 41 bombs were recovered in Porompat in Imphal East district and one arms and two bombs in Bishnupur.
“A total of 896 arms and 11,763 ammunition and 200 bombs of different kinds have been recovered till date,” Singh said, adding: “Temporary curfew relaxation has been made in five valley districts and some hill districts. There is no curfew in six other hill districts.”
The home ministry has approved a Rs 101.75-crore relief package for Manipur.
(With inputs from agencies)
