Union Home Minister Amit Shah is has called off all his campaign programmes for the BJP in the May 10 Karnataka Assembly elections in wake of the violent protests that have ripped through Manipur since May 3.

Reports quoting sources said that Shah, who is monitoring Manipur situation closely, has cancelled all his poll meetings and held multiple meetings via video link with relevant authorities in connection with the Manipur clashes on Thursday.

They said that the Home Minister, who is likely to hold more meetings with Manipur authorities to monitor the efforts made to restore peace and normalcy in the state, spoke to the chief ministers of northeastern states on the law and order situation.

The sources said that Amit Shah had a late night meeting with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and other top officials of the state on Thursday, adding that earlier in the day, the Union Home Minister held meetings via video link with the Chief Ministers of Manipur and neighbouring states, including Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

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As per the sources, it was being speculated that Amit Shah might visit Manipur in wake of the clashes but the proposal was turned down by top BJP leaders.

Violent demonstrations erupted in Torbung area of Churachandpur district on Wednesday during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ called by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) to protest the demand of non-tribal Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

As per reports, thousands hit the streets and participated in the solidarity march. However, the protests turned violent as clashes erupted between tribals and non-tribals in the area, and soon spread to other districts.

Following the clashes, the Indian Army was called in to quell the raging violence even as the state governor authorized shoot-at-sight orders subject to extreme circumstances.

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