Manipur Chief Minister Calls for Peace Amid Unrest, Investigation Underway

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced efforts towards peace talks, involving several meetings in Assam’s Silchar. He highlighted the complexities due to ongoing violence and politicisation of issues. An investigation led by a retired Supreme Court judge is underway to identify lapses and fix responsibility.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Thursday that the state government is making significant strides towards peace negotiations, holding several meetings in Silchar, Assam. 'We are making immense efforts towards peace talks with the assistance of MLAs and other members. Meetings have been held in Silchar, and we will soon make an announcement,' Singh told the Assembly, without specifying the participants involved in these talks.

He described the ongoing violence as an 'unexpected and unwanted turn of events,' adding that the grim law and order situation might worsen with extreme measures, including arrests. Singh also highlighted the complications arising from certain issues being politicised. 'There are elements which are politicising certain issues that cannot be immediately handled now. I appeal to all not to engage in such activities,' Singh stated.

In response to Congress MLA Ranjit Singh's inquiry about violence occurring despite the presence of over 38,000 state forces, Singh mentioned that a retired Supreme Court judge is conducting an investigation. 'The investigation will identify the lapses contributing to the violence, and responsibility will be fixed based on the inquiry's conclusions.' He further informed Congress MLA Surajkumar Okram that 226 people have been killed in the violence, with delays in arrests due to mob-like conditions and instances where groups have obstructed security forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)