IMPHAL —
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday requested the church,
community and other leaders of the Naga community to take a greater role in
resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
FILE -Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh (PTI PHOTO)
Clashes between Kuki and Meitei communities have left over
250 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. The Nagas were not
involved in this conflict.
Addressing a programme at Maram in Naga majority Senapati
district, Singh said "I want to appeal to the Naga communities that a
third party is required to resolve the current issues and for restoration of
peace. For this, church and community leaders needs to take responsibilities
and initiatives."
All grievances and problems can be resolved under the
Constitution and the laws of the Manipur government, he said.
"Whatever happened has happened. As I said during my
New Year's message, it's time to forget and forgive. We need to jointly walk on
the path of peace and bring back the former Manipur. We need to jointly work
together to resolve this crisis.
"I seek the support of all those gathered today
including elected members, former elected members, and church leaders to
overcome this crisis," Singh said.
The chief minister said he is available 24/7 and will
provide whatever help is needed from the government to establish peace in the
state, he added.
Singh said "I need your help. Somebody has to come
forward. During the Kuki and Naga clashes of the '90s, we tried hard to bring a
solution. Similarly, I seek your support now. I have heard of such endeavours
to bring peace being taken but I urge all of you to take the initiation
assertively."
The concern of the indigenous people should be addressed and
all 34 recognised tribes of the state need to live together, the chief minister
said.
He said that his government has waged a war against narcotic
drugs, while identifying illegal immigrants is required to protect the
numerically less indigenous communities.
