Guwahati: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh has expressed optimism about finding a solution to the ongoing unrest in the state as he departed for New Delhi.
CM Singh is scheduled to attend a NITI Aayog meeting and a Chief Ministers’ Conclave, both presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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He is hopeful for a one-on-one meeting with PM Modi to discuss the state’s issues and find a tangible solution to restore normalcy.
Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has been hit by unprecedented ethnic violence between two warring communities.
The conflict has resulted in at least 220 deaths and has displaced over 50,000 people, who are now living in relief camps spread across Manipur.
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CM Singh is confident that the meetings in the national capital will provide an opportunity to brief the Prime Minister on various issues and discuss the current situation in the state.
He expressed hope that “some positive developments will surely come out.”
Responding to Opposition criticism of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget, which they claim offers nothing for unrest-ravaged and disaster-hit Manipur, Singh accused the Opposition of “petty politics.”
He assured that the Centre has provided sufficient grants to address the resource crunch caused by the ongoing unrest and natural disasters.
Singh emphasised the need to avoid petty politics during this critical time.
Commenting on the recent violence in the state’s Jiribam district, where a house was reportedly burned on Wednesday (July 24), CM Singh clarified that the incident is unrelated to the ongoing ethnic violence.
The Manipur chief minister suggested it was a stray incident by elements exploiting the ethnic tension for their own agenda.
He assured that the police are investigating and expected to make arrests soon.
Regarding the upcoming assembly budget session starting July 31, CM Singh revealed efforts to ensure participation of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including two Council of Ministers, who have abstained from proceedings since the violence erupted.
These MLAs have also demanded a division of Manipur along ethnic lines in the form of a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo communities.
“We are inviting them. I’ve also personally invited them. The House (Assembly) is also inviting them. They should come and attend the House in session.
We will facilitate their presence in the House if they seek my assistance and cooperation,” CM Singh said.