Imphal, May 20 (IANS) 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

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