'Won't Use Excessive Force On Own People': Manipur CM Appeals For Dialogue Amid Blockade

The Manipur Chief Minister has urged all involved parties to embrace peace and cooperation and to refrain from violence.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh addressing the media in Imphal on Monday.

Source : DIPR, Manipur

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in a move towards fostering unity and peace, on Monday expressed the state government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis without resorting to aggressive measures. Emphasising the importance of dialogue over violence, the Chief Minister urged all involved parties to embrace peace and cooperation, encouraging the resettlement of people in their original places, and promoting communal harmony within the state.

During a press conference in the state capital Imphal, Chief Minister Singh emphasised the necessity of patience in resolving the issue, acknowledging the time required for a comprehensive solution. The Chief Minister was reacting to the blockade of Manipur state transport inter-district passenger buses by the Kuki-Zo protesters on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati and Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur designated routes, following the government’s notification to reopen these paths with enhanced security measures.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to refrain from employing disproportionate force, highlighting the shared responsibility towards all residents, irrespective of their group affiliations, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur, stated in a press release.

As the festive season has approached, Chief Minister Singh made a heartfelt appeal to those involved in the crisis to cease violence and initiate constructive dialogues, highlighting the importance of cohabitation and understanding among the populace. Moreover, while affirming the state government’s dedication towards the welfare of the people, the Chief Minister acknowledged the desire of many tribal individuals to live harmoniously within the state, acknowledging that the dissent was from a limited section of the community, the release stated.

In an effort to promote reconciliation, Chief Minister Singh urged all the organisations including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), to recognise the futility of violence, emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution. Regarding the action of the Assam Rifles in contrast with the government’s notification on opening travel restrictions clamped on the National Highway passing through the state’s Churachandpur district, the Chief Minister said it was caused by communication gap and assured corrective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future, aiming for seamless transport operations across the state, it stated.

The Assam Rifles troopers had forced the Manipur state transport buses to turn back from the intra-district border, preventing them from reaching Churachandpur. Highlighting the progress achieved, Chief Minister Singh noted the gradual return of normalcy in the strife-torn state’s Imphal valley and the positive trend towards peace in the hill districts including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, the release added.

Despite the crisis emerging in the northeast state since May 3 this year, Chief Minister Singh clarified that the state had experienced five months of peace during the period, emphasising the importance of not generalising the situation as continuously violent. The Chief Minister said that the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering reconciliation, ensuring the welfare of all citizens, and fostering an environment of peace and harmony within Manipur, the release further said.

The writer is a senior independent journalist covering the Northeast.

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