Home Minister Amit Shah is a person with a Midas touch. He has an uncanny ability to turn things around and bring solutions to every problem. Given the gravity of the situation in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his most trusted companion the onus of mediating with the warring communities and fostering peace and stability in the violence-hit state. And, he delivered in the way, possibly only he can. Shah is the ray of hope in these trying circumstances.
The Home Minister embarked on a four-day tour to the trouble-torn state Monday and in the subsequent days, he deliberated with the warring groups, the civil societies, administration and with all directly or indirectly affected. While things came under control almost instantaneously, Shah gave an ultimatum to miscreants possessing arms, asking them to surrender the weapons before the police without delay or face stern actions.
“Those carrying weapons must surrender before the police. Combing operations will start tomorrow, and if weapons are found with anyone, strict actions will follow,” Shah said on the last day of his tour on Thursday.
The warning worked as a miracle and started yielding results almost immediately. Within a few hours of airing angst, about 150 weapons were surrendered. The rapid response only brightens the prospect of recovering more in the coming days. There are instances galore of Shah’s such acts in the past.
The entire episode bears the imprint of Shah’s leadership quality and his administrative acumen. There is hardly anyone who comes closer to his fabled mediating capacity that has solved many such situations in the past. He finds simple solutions to the most delicate problems.
The recovery of the arms also reflects the belief and faith the warring groups repose on the mastermind. They pay heed to his promises. The representatives of both sides also showed trust in Shah, who successfully changed their outlook and views on the situation.
However, Shah did not only act as a tough administrator in this whole episode. His softer side also came to the fore. Shah addressed their concerns about livelihood and security. Appropriate steps would be taken to help the students. Family members of those deceased will be given Rs 10 lakh as compensation. Special medical officers will ensure medical facilities in areas hit by violence.
Shah has already announced the formation of a probe committee, headed by a retired judge. A special team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would be assigned to investigate the cases of violence in Manipur. A peace committee headed by the Governor would also be formed. Investigations would be carried out without bias and discrimination. Those guilty will be punished. No one should have any doubt that Manipur would again march towards the path of peace and prosperity in no time. (ends)