Manipur Governor: State returning to peace after ethnic violence
Imphal (Manipur) [India], July 27 (ANI): Crediting the collaborative efforts of the government, armed forces and civil society organisations, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that the state has been returning to peace and normalcy after the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Addressing at an event organised on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, Governor Bhalla highlighted government efforts to restore normalcy and build confidence among the people. He also credited the Armed Forces for conducting a joint operation to recover numerous arms and ammunition in the past few months.
"In the ethnic violence in the state of Manipur, many have lost their lives and thousands have been internally displaced. The government has taken various steps to solve the crisis and restore peace and confidence. The joint operation of the Combined team of State Police Armed forces has been able to recover numerous arms and ammunition over the past few months. The state has been returning to peace and normalcy with the collaborative efforts of the government, armed forces and civil society organisations," Bhalla said in the event at Imphal.
He also mentioned the security measures taken by armed forces to stabilise the region, including crackdown against insurgents and establishing multiple checkpoints to ensure essential supply goods.
"Numerous insurgents involved in extortion, including cyber-facilitated schemes and funding militia groups, have been arrested during an intensified crackdown in recent months. Multiple checkpoints have been strategically established across the Hill and valley districts on the National Highways to ensure essential supply of vehicles, supply of food and medicines and we have been ensuring uninterrupted movement of the goods." The Governor said.
"Dialogue continues with the CSOs (Civil Society Organisations) from Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities for voluntary resettlement of IDPs and inclusive safety guarantees," he added.
Further, noting the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that the stories of soldiers remind of courage, sacrifice and unity, encouraged people to honour their legacy by securing peace in Manipur.
"Today in Manipur, we confront chaos with resolve, restore order through compassion and rebuild lives through empowerment. As we honour our fearless soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas, their stories remind us of courage, sacrifice and unity. Let's honour their legacy by securing peace, extending welfare, empowering communities, and building a Manipur that stands tall, inclusive, and proud... Let's all join hands to regain peace, harmony, and brotherhood in our state. I reaffirm our strong commitment to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens," he said.
The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities broke out in 2023, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing more than 50,000 people.
In February, President Droupadi Murmu imposed President's rule in Manipur after receiving a report from the state governor days after N Biren Singh's resignation from the Chief Minister post amid violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years. (ANI)