Manipur CM stresses urgent need to disarm all firearms, says peace is the only solution
Imphal, May 20
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Wednesday that disarming all forms of firearms across the state is an urgent necessity to restore peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.
During a discussion on the prevailing situation in the state with a delegation of Tangkhul Naga tribals from the Sinakeithei Village Authority in Ukhrul district, the Chief Minister asserted that peace remains the only viable solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
"There are no other options except peace," CM Singh told the delegation while emphasising the need for collective efforts from all communities to end violence and restore harmony in the state.
The Chief Minister also told the delegation that the state government is focusing on generating employment opportunities in non-government sectors by imparting skill development training to youths.
He said such initiatives are aimed at engaging young people in constructive activities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Responding to the demands placed by the delegation, CM Singh said that public leaders and community elders from all sections of society must play a proactive role in persuading the youths to abandon the path of violence and work towards peace and reconciliation.
He cited the example of late South African leader Nelson Mandela, who successfully led his country towards peace and reconciliation despite prolonged racial violence and conflict.
The Tangkhul Naga delegation urged the Chief Minister to deploy Manipur Rifles personnel, including units of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), in their village in view of the prevailing tense situation in the region.
Accompanied by Ukhrul constituency MLA Ram Muivah of the Naga People's Front (NPF), the villagers also demanded adequate manpower for the Sinakeithei police station and sought proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector's office at Sinakeithei.
The NPF is an ally of the BJP-led government in Manipur.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation, the Tangkhul Naga villagers said that repeated attacks by armed men on Sinakeithei village in recent months have created an atmosphere of constant fear, insecurity and distress among the residents.
The delegation urged the state government to ensure adequate security arrangements in the area and requested humanitarian assistance, including the supply of essential commodities for affected villagers.
The Sinakeithei Village Authority also appealed to Chief Minister Singh to provide security cover along the road connecting Mahadev and Sinakeithei village to ensure safe movement of people and vehicles.
In addition, the villagers demanded improved healthcare facilities and developmental initiatives in the area.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for deploying two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the Sinakeithei area to strengthen security arrangements.
They also appreciated the state government for constructing the inter-village road connecting Sinakeithei with the Ukhrul district headquarters and for sanctioning a bailey bridge over the Ihang river.
Meanwhile, clashes and tensions between Kuki and Naga groups have continued in parts of Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Senapati districts since February this year.
More than 40 people belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities were held hostage by various groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the killing of three Baptist church leaders and injuries to four others in Kangpokpi district on May 13.
However, officials said that 30 people belonging to both communities were released on May 14 and 15 following sustained efforts by the authorities, community leaders and various Civil Society Organisations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the CM quoting Nelson Mandela—shows he's thinking long-term. But actions speak louder than words. We need more than speeches; we need jobs, security, and trust-building between communities. Skill development is a start, but what about immediate humanitarian aid for those displaced? 😞
As someone from Ukhrul, I can say the fear is real. Armed men attacking villages, hostages being taken—this is not normal. BSF deployment is welcome but we need permanent peace, not just band-aid solutions. Kudos to the CM for at least listening to the Tangkhul delegation. Hope he listens to Kuki groups too.
Disarming is easier said than done when both sides feel threatened. The CM should focus on dialogue between Kuki and Naga leaders—without that, no amount of police or BSF can stop the cycle of violence. Also, those hostage situations were terrifying; glad some were released. 😥
As an outsider, I wonder why the central government isn't doing more. Manipur has been burning for over a year now. The CM's peace talk is necessary, but where is the Union Home Minister's intervention? This needs a national-level push, not just state-level efforts. 🔥
Respect to the CM for meeting with local leaders and acknowledging the ground reality. But the fact that villagers are asking for police protection and road security shows how broken the law-and-order situation is. We need more than just words—we need concrete action on disarmament and reconciliation. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.