Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh calls for disarming all firearms to restore peace in the state.
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IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said disarming all forms of firearms from across the state is an urgent necessity, asserting that peace remains the only solution to the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Khemchand Singh made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of Tangkhul Naga tribals from the Sinakeithei Village Authority (SVA) of Ukhrul district at the Secretariat in Imphal.
The delegation, accompanied by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, urged the chief minister to deploy state police personnel, including the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in Sinakeithei village in view of the prevailing security situation in the state. They also sought adequate manpower for the Sinakeithei police station and proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector’s office in the area.
The villagers told the chief minister that repeated attacks by armed men on Sinakeithei village in recent times had created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and distress among residents. They demanded adequate security measures in the area and sought security cover along the road between Mahadev and Sinakeithei village.
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The delegation also requested improvement of healthcare facilities and developmental activities in the area.
Responding to the demands, Khemchand Singh said leaders from all communities must persuade youths to abandon violence and work towards peace in the state. Referring to former South African President Nelson Mandela, he said peace could be restored even after prolonged periods of violence and conflict.
He also said the government was working towards creating employment opportunities in the non-government sector.
The villagers expressed gratitude to the chief minister for the deployment of two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Sinakeithei area. They also appreciated the construction of the inter-village road connecting Sinakeithei to Ukhrul district headquarters and the sanctioning of a Bailey bridge over the Ihang river.
Later, sharing photographs of the meeting on X, Khemchand Singh said discussions focused on ensuring “lasting peace, stability, and development” in the area.
“With improved security arrangements restoring normalcy, the Government remains committed to inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and lasting peace in Manipur,” he wrote.