NEW DELHI, JUNE 9: As fresh violence in Manipur claimed 3 more lives on Friday, the CBI announced it has registered 6 FIRs and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe whether there was a conspiracy behind the recent clashes in Manipur.
The 10-member SIT will be led by a DIG-rank officer, said officials. The Special Crime Branch, Kolkata, will probe the cases.
The move comes a day after the Manipur Government had recommended 6 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.
3 killed by armed insurgents
Meanwhile, 3 people were killed in a village in Manipur’s Imphal West district when a group of insurgents dressed as security personnel called them out of their homes on the pretext of a combing operation and fired at them, officials said.
The incident took place in a village on the border of Kangpoki and Imphal West districts.
The insurgents are believed to be from the Meitei community, the officials said.
Security forces on a routine patrol of the village stepped in when they heard the sound of gunfire. Insurgents fled the area but not before shooting down 3 villagers, the officials said.
Over 3,700 cases lodged
More than 100 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 27 arms, 245 ammunition and 41 bombs were recovered in Porompat in Imphal East district and 1 arms and 2 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 5 valley districts and some hill districts. There is no curfew in 6 other hill districts.”
The Home Ministry has approved a Rs 101.75-crore relief package for Manipur. (TNN/Agencies)
