By Firstdespatch Desk May 05, 2023
Tripura Chief Minister Assures the Safety of Students Amidst Unrest in Manipur
Agartala, May 05 (FD) In the midst of the law and order situation in Manipur, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has assured the safety of students from Tripura studying in Manipur. He stated that his government is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant contact with the Manipur administration.
According to government records, approximately 150 students from Tripura are currently studying in various colleges and educational institutions in Manipur, primarily in medical, dental, and agriculture colleges. To ensure the safety of these students, the Tripura government has launched helpline numbers and a WhatsApp number for round-the-clock support and coordination.
The Chief Minister confirmed that he had been in touch with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to discuss the prevailing situation. He tweeted that Singh assured him that the situation was under control and that security and other issues concerning Tripura students would be given importance.
Dr. Saha further mentioned that he had spoken with a doctor from Tripura who is serving as a faculty member at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal. The faculty member confirmed that the Tripura students were safe in a hostel under the protection of CRPF jawans.
While the "shoot at sight" order was issued in Manipur, the Tripura CM stated that some relaxation would likely be given during the day, allowing students to be shifted to safer areas under security protection. The Manipur government has assured necessary steps depending on the situation, and Dr. Saha intends to discuss the matter with the Manipur Governor and Tripura Chief Secretary to determine the next course of action.
Political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition TIP
RA Motha, have expressed solidarity with Manipur and its residents during this challenging time. The BJP has launched a Manipur helpline to provide assistance to those stranded in Manipur.
The situation in Manipur escalated due to clashes resulting from a protest rally organized by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The state government imposed a curfew and suspended mobile Internet services to bring the situation under control.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have been actively involved in evacuating over 11,000 people to military garrisons since the violence erupted. The Army has been providing basic amenities such as food, shelter, and medical support to those sheltered in the military garrisons.
As of now, the Tripura government has not initiated any evacuation plans for Tripura students in Manipur, but it remains an option depending on the situation's development.
Dr. Manik Saha assures the safety of Tripura students in Manipur and remains in constant contact with the Manipur administration. Efforts are being made to provide support and coordination through helpline numbers. The situation in Manipur is being closely monitored, and the Tripura government is ready to take further action if necessary. FD JK