Manipur CM Urges Dialogue Amid Protests Over Child Killings, Shutdowns

Inaugurating a Block Development Office at Wangjing-Tentha in the tribal-inhabited Thoubal district, the Chief Minister said the new administrative block has been established to strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.

A large number of people gathered at Wangjing-Tentha to welcome Chief Minister Khemchand Singh.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said he had not faced any resistance during his visits to hill districts, but expressed surprise over opposition to his visit in Thoubal district, located in the valley region.

"I recently visited several hill districts without any opposition. However, I am surprised by the protests in Thoubal district against my visit," he added.

Emphasising the need for dialogue, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said that differences can be resolved through discussions, adding that meaningful solutions emerge when all stakeholders come together.

Referring to the tragic incident at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district on April 7, in which two minor children were killed and their mother injured, the Chief Minister described it as deeply distressing.

He said the state government has already held two rounds of talks with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the victims, along with State Home Minister K. Govindas Singh, and assured that their demands would be addressed.

The Chief Minister also added that the state government is considering providing suitable government jobs to the victims' parents as a humanitarian gesture, clarifying that the proposal is not a form of negotiation but an effort to offer support during their difficult time.

Expressing concern over the ongoing five-day total shutdown called by a section of the JAC, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said such "unwarranted and senseless activities" create confusion among the public and disrupt normal life.

He also assured that the 3.5-km-long approach road at Wangjing would be constructed at the earliest.

The shutdown in Imphal valley -- covering five to six districts -- was called by 'Meira Paibis' (women torchbearers), one of the most influential women's bodies, along with various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The protest is against the killing of two minor children and the injury to their mother, allegedly by suspected Kuki militants, in Bishnupur district on April 7.

The shutdown, which came into effect from midnight on April 18, has led to a near-complete halt in daily life across the valley.

Members of the Meira Paibis and groups of women protesters were seen at several locations blocking roads and restricting vehicular movement.

According to the police, passenger and commercial vehicles remained off the roads, while shops, business establishments, and roadside vendors stayed shut, contributing to widespread disruption.

Meanwhile, normal life was also severely affected in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur for the second consecutive day on Tuesday due to a three-day total shutdown called by the United Naga Council.

The shutdown, which began at midnight on April 20, will continue until midnight on April 23.

The shutdown was called in protest against the killing of two Naga civilians -- Chinaoshang Shokwungnao (45) and Yaruingam Vashum (42) -- at TM-Kasom village along National Highway-2 on April 18.

The victims, residents of Ukhrul district, were allegedly waylaid and killed by suspected Kuki militants while returning home from Imphal.

- IANS