Chief Minister N Biren Singh has emphasised the urgent need for peace in Manipur, urging the two warring communities to reach an understanding amidst the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May last year.
Addressing a gathering at the Good Governance Day programme held at the BJP headquarters, Singh underlined the role of the saffron party in fostering 'unity' in the strife-torn state.
"What is happening in Manipur today has many reasons. Today, those who have been trying to divide the state are asking what the government is doing... they are hungry for power," he remarked.
Singh highlighted the government's initiatives, including 'Meeyamgi Numit' (People's Day), aimed at bridging gaps between citizens and officials. He reiterated the BJP's commitment to the principle of "living together" and shared that efforts to mend relations between the police and the public have
already commenced.
Acknowledging the plight of those displaced by the ongoing violence, Singh noted that committees have been established at various administrative levels to address their immediate needs in education and agriculture.
"We are not against any particular community. The stand of the BJP is clear. We believe in the idea of living together," he asserted.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the conflict, the chief minister stated, "The two communities need to be calm. Instead of looking at the past, we need to focus on the upcoming NRC process, capturing biometrics, and 1961 as the base year of the Inner Line Permit."
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, more than 250 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been rendered homeless.
Singh stressed the importance of democratic and constitutional measures to address the crisis while advocating for peace and mutual understanding.
"Only BJP can save Manipur... BJP leaders have a high sense of nationalism and social justice. They do reality-based politics in the interests of the nation... if I am not given a ticket by the BJP, I will remain with the party," Singh stated.
Singh also announced the Unity Mall project, which aims to represent the diverse ethnic groups of Manipur. The project will be developed at an estimated cost of over ₹140 crore.
Follow us
