Manipur CM urges church, Naga leaders to play vital role in ending conflict
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh arriving to attend a conference at Maram in Senapati district on Saturday (AT Photo)
Imphal, Jan. 12: Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, on Saturday made a request to the churchm the community, and other leaders of the Naga community to engage in a greater role to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
The state is torn with ethnic strife since May 2023 as clashes broke out between the Kuki and the Meitei communities in Manipur. The ethnic clashes have left over 250 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. The Naga community is not involved in the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Addressing a programme at Maram in the 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 is 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 that 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 1990s, we tried hard to bring about 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.
- With inputs from news agencies