Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed her concerns over the ongoing situation in Manipur and instructed the state machinery to take steps to evacuate people stranded in the troubled state.
Over the past few days, Manipur has been up in flames over ethnic violence that has killed several people.
“Deeply anguished by the kind of messages and SOS we are receiving from Manipur. I am concerned about the safety of the people of Manipur and others hailing from different parts of the country, now stranded there. Govt of Bengal is committed to stand by the people & has decided to make every effort to evacuate people stranded there in coordination with the Govt of Manipur. The Chief Secretary has been directed to monitor the entire process, to help people in distress and despair. We are with the people at all times. Urge everyone to maintain peace,” Mamata tweeted on Saturday.
People from strife-torn Manipur at a relief camp set up by the Assam government in Cachar on Saturday. PTI picture
The Bengal government has opened two helpline numbers (033-22143526/033-22535185), the chief minister said.
Following Mamata's tweet, administrations across districts have swung into action to find out if anyone from Bengal is stuck in Manipur and needs evacuation. Senior government officials have begun the process of scanning the portal recently launched in Bengal for registration of migrant workers.
“As of now, it is not possible to say how many people from Bengal stay in Manipur. But considering certain old trends, there are indications that some migrant workers of Bengal might be there. If anybody wants help, information will be shared and steps will be taken in consultation with the Manipur government,” said a source in the administration.
Sources close to the chief minister said she was closely observing the situation in Manipur.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Manipur.... Politics and elections can wait but our beautiful state Manipur has to be protected first. This I urge the Prime Minister & Home Minister to first take care of Manipur...,” Mamata had tweeted on Thursday.
With her tweet, Mamata echoed what other senior non-BJP leaders have been saying about the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. Many have pointed out that Modi is busy with the election campaign in Karnataka.
In Bengal’s Siliguri, the business community is worried as Manipur is an important market.
Sikkim helpline
Sikkim chief minister P.S. Tamang on Friday urged his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh to take care of Sikkimese students and residents in Manipur. Around 80 students from Sikkim study at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and 25 more at the Central Agricultural University, both in Imphal.
“A helpline number (03592 299959) has been set up at the state secretariat for students,” said a source.