Manipur home minister says anyone involved in Makui killings will be arrested, including SoO groups

Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on October 15 said anyone involved in criminal activities would be arrested, including members of armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, asserting that the government was making every effort to deliver justice and restore peace in the state.

Singh made the statement while speaking to reporters during his visit to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, where he inspected the condition of BSF personnel suspected to have suffered food poisoning.

The minister was asked about the Joint Tribe Council's demand for the arrest of those responsible for the killing in Makui village in Kangpokpi district on October 10. The council had alleged the involvement of Kuki armed groups under the SoO arrangement and demanded action against the perpetrators.

Responding to whether the accused could be arrested if they belonged to SoO groups, Singh said nobody involved in a crime would be spared.

“The government is making every possible effort to deliver justice and arrest those who have committed crimes,” he said.

Emphasising the need for restraint, Singh said killings and violence would not resolve differences among communities. He maintained that the government was making efforts to restore peace but stressed that lasting peace would remain difficult without a sense of humanity and a civilised mindset among the people.

Differences between communities should be addressed through dialogue, he said, adding that the government had initiated the process.

The Home Minister also said combing operations were continuing, although difficult terrain sometimes posed challenges in tracking down and arresting those responsible for violence.

84 brought to RIMS with suspected food poisoning

During the visit, Singh also reviewed the treatment of BSF personnel and others who fell ill after reportedly consuming breakfast at a location in Manipur.

According to the minister, the affected people had breakfast at around 8.30 am, reportedly consisting of puri and potato curry. They subsequently developed repeated episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting, along with a drop in blood pressure, prompting their transfer to RIMS.

“Altogether, 84 have come to RIMS. They are stable, except for one case,” Singh said.
The affected group included personnel of Company D of the 58th Battalion of the BSF, who had arrived at Don Bosco School in Phayeng on October 15. 

The exact number of security personnel and civilians among the 84 patients was not immediately available.
The incident is suspected to be a case of food poisoning, although the cause of the illness had not been officially established.

Singh praised the RIMS doctors and the institute's director for providing treatment and attending to the patients. He said the hospital was managing the situation effectively and that no specific shortage or additional requirement had been brought to his notice.

Urging the public not to panic, the minister said the patients were receiving appropriate medical attention.