Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with civil society groups of Kuki tribe in Manipur’s Moreh town on Wednesday following the ethnic clashes that claimed more than 80 people in the border state.

Shah, who flew into Imphal on Monday night, has been on a trip to broker peace in the strife-torn state after clashes erupted following the Meitei community’s demand to include them under the Scheduled Tribe category.

"Held a meeting with the delegations of Kuki and other communities at Moreh. They expressed strong support for the government's initiatives to restore normalcy in Manipur," Shah said.

Held a meeting with the delegations of Kuki and other communities at Moreh. They expressed strong support for the government's initiatives to restore normalcy in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/2H7uWNRvAA

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 31, 2023

Shah visited Kangpokpi district in the afternoon, and met various groups there. He also met with the representatives of different communities including the handful of Tamil traders who live in Moreh, an official said.

"Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri @AmitShah met with a Kuki delegation in Moreh, Manipur, today," Union Home Ministry Spokesperson tweeted.

Shah also reviewed the security measures in Manipur with the officials from various central and state forces.

"Took stock of the security situation with senior officials in Moreh (Manipur)," Shah tweeted.

He was accompanied by Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka on the trip. Chief Minister N Biren Singh was not present at these meetings.

As part of his mission to broker a lasting peace in the troubled state, Shah met a cross-section of Kuki and Meitei leaders on Tuesday, besides top security officers to seek a solution to the spate of ethnic clashes that have rocked the state. He also held an all-party meeting in the evening.

Ethnic clashes broke out in the state nearly a month ago after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

After a relative lull for over a fortnight, the state witnessed a sudden spurt in clashes, and gunfight between militants and security forces on Sunday. So far, over 80 people have been killed in the violence, according to officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Edited by : Pradeep John)