Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has called for peace amid challenges in maintaining law and order in the state following the unrest earlier this month. The chief minister appealed to the people to “blame the government, not the communities”.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event on Anti-Terrorism Day in Imphal on Sunday, Singh presented his views to the media. “My most appeal to the people of the state – it is not About this communities. Please blame the government. Whatever reforms we, the government can do, we will do. Please do not go Afterwards community (sic).”
Clashes broke out on 3 May escaped with the ethnic Kuki tribal community and its sub-tribes on one side and the non-Aboriginal or Meitei people on the other – a confrontation which saw the use of guns, clubs and hand-held weapons, causing casualties and serious injuries. There is tension between the two communities over the security situation.
Many places where these communities reside have been reduced to ruins, houses have been burnt, religious structures have been destroyed. Confidence- and security-building measures by the military and paramilitary forces have eased tensions but people are still living in fear and uncertainty.
answering a question on initiative taken by state governmentincluding the destruction of opium cultivation and the protection of forests that resulted in incidents of unrest, The Chief Minister said, “Jo Beet Gaya So Gaya… Our mission now is to restore normalcy in the state. There was no fighting between communities in Manipur and there should be no fighting.”
“Whenever the government tries to do something, there is always resistance or acceptance all over the world. It is the duty of the government to expedite the issues,” he said.
Invoking the 10 Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hamar MLAs who wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief minister said, “Manipur is a unique state. We are small, but we have 34-35 recognized tribes, including the Kukis.” We are all brothers and sisters.”
On efforts to reach out to displaced people, he called for “missionaries through government and civil societies” to talk to each other and bring people together.
Meanwhile, according to a notification issued on Sunday, internet and data services will remain suspended for the next five days. The government has also released a list of revised wholesale and retail prices of 18 food items. As is often seen during a crisis in Manipur, prices of essential commodities have shot up, and a liter of petrol is now selling for Rs 160-180 in the black market, local sources told ThePrint.
Read also: Two women rescued by Assam Rifles in violence-hit Manipur give birth in relief camps
Internet suspended, food prices revised
Meanwhile, the state government on Sunday extended the suspension of internet and data services by five days in a bid to “maintain law and order, prevent spread of misinformation and rumors through social media platforms” By 3 p.m., May 26. To stop “sending bulk SMS to mobilize agitators”.
The notification issued by H. Gyan Prakash, Home Commissioner (Government of Manipur), took note of incidents of “arson in houses and premises”, as reported by the Director General of Police (DGP) in a letter earlier in the day. ThePrint has a copy of the notification.
Earlier, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) on Saturday released a list of revised wholesale and retail prices for 18 food items taking into account the rates prevailing in local markets.
All shops and commercial establishments are required to display the revised wholesale and retail rates to consumers – a kg of potatoes and onions in the retail market will not exceed Rs 40 a kg, garlic at Rs 125 a kg, among other items. , and rice will be sold at Rs.50 a kg.
Meanwhile, the Army and the Assam Rifles have adopted a “people-friendly approach” to provide relief camps and comfort to those affected by the conflict in villages.
Army officials have initiated talks with student leaders and village heads, while door-to-door medical assistance is also being provided. Defense sources told ThePrint that with enhanced surveillance and area domination along the India-Myanmar border, the army continues to counter and deter threats and challenges posed by insurgent groups.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)
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