We Are Making Immense Efforts Towards Peace Talks: Manipur CM Biren Singh

GG News Bureau
Imphal, 1st August. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday that the state government is actively working towards initiating peace talks, having already conducted several meetings in Assam’s Silchar.

“We are making immense efforts towards peace talks with the assistance of MLAs and other members. Meetings have been held in Silchar, and we will soon make an announcement,” Singh told the Assembly, without specifying who are involved in the meetings.

Addressing the ongoing violence, Singh described it as an “unexpected and unwanted turn of events” and warned that extreme measures, including arrests, might have negative repercussions.

He also noted that the situation is being complicated by politicization of certain issues.

“There are elements which are politicising certain issues that cannot be immediately handled now. I appeal to all not to engage in such activities,” Singh said.

Responding to Congress MLA Ranjit Singh’s question about violence occurring despite the presence of over 38,000 state forces, Singh revealed that an investigation is being conducted by a retired Supreme Court judge. “The findings will identify the lapses that contributed to the violence, and responsibility will be fixed based on the inquiry’s conclusions.”

In reply to a query from Congress MLA Surajkumar Okram, Singh stated that 226 people have been killed in the violence so far. He acknowledged delays in arresting culprits in certain cases due to mob-like conditions and noted instances of groups obstructing security forces.

Singh emphasized that taking extreme measures in the current grim law and order situation could lead to negative repercussions, underscoring the need for cautious and considered actions to restore peace.