Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has called for peace amid challenges to maintain law and order in the state following unrest earlier this month. The chief minister has appealed to the people to “blame the government and not communities”.
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme in Imphal on Anti-Terrorism Day Sunday, Singh conveyed his thoughts to the media. “My earnest appeal to the people of the state — it is not about the communities. Please blame the government. Whatever we, the government, can rectify, we will do it. Please don’t go after communities (sic).”
On 3 May, clashes broke out with the ethnic Kuki tribal community and its sub-tribes on one side and the non-tribals or the Meitei people on the other — a conflict that saw the use of guns, clubs and handmade weapons, leading to casualties and grievous injuries. Tension persists between the two communities with apprehensions over the security situation.
Many places where these communities reside have been reduced to ruins with houses burnt down, religious structures destroyed. The confidence-and security-building measures by the army and paramilitary forces have reduced the tension but people continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
Replying to a question on initiatives undertaken by the state government, including destruction of poppy cultivation and protection of forests, that resulted in events leading to unrest, the chief minister said, “What’s gone is gone…Our mission now is to restore normalcy in the state. There was no fight between the communities in Manipur, and there should not be any fight.”
“Whenever the government tries to do something, resistance or acceptance is always there, all over the world. It is the duty of the government to expedite the issues,” he added.
Calling upon the 10 Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi-Hmar legislators who wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding “separation from the state of Manipur”, the chief minister said, “They are part of our family. Manipur is a unique state. We are small, but we have 34-35 recognised tribes, including Kukis. We are all brothers and sisters.”
On efforts to reach out to the displaced people, he emphasised on sending “missionaries through government and civil societies” to talk to each other and bring people together.
Meanwhile internet and data services in the state remain suspended for another five days, according to a notification issued Sunday.
The government has also issued a list of revised wholesale and retail prices of as many as 18 food items. As is often seen during crisis in Manipur, prices of essential commodities increase, and a litre of petrol is now selling for Rs 160-180 in the black market, local sources said to ThePrint.
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Internet suspended, food prices revised
The state government Sunday extended the suspension of internet and data services by another five days – till 3pm, 26 May — in a bid “to maintain law and order, to stop the spread of disinformation and rumours through social media platforms,” and to prevent “sending bulk SMS for mobilising agitators”.
The notification issued by the Commissioner of Home (government of Manipur), H. Gyan Prakash took note of incidents of “arson of houses and premises” as reported in a letter by the Director General of Police (DGP) earlier in the day. ThePrint has a copy of the notification.
Earlier, the department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution(CAF&PD) Saturday issued a list of revised wholesale and retail prices for 18 food items, taking into consideration the prevailing rates in local markets.
All shops and business establishment are required to display the revised wholesale and retail rates for consumers — among other items, a kilo of potato and onion will not exceed Rs 40 a kilo each in the retail market, the cost of garlic is Rs 125/kg, and rice will sell for Rs 50/kg.
Meanwhile, the army and the Assam Rifles have adopted a “people-friendly approach” to provide comfort to those affected by the clashes in the relief camps and villages.
Army officials have initiated talks with student leaders and village chiefs while door-to-door medical assistance is also being provided. With enhanced surveillance and area domination along the Indo-Myanmar border, the military continues to counter and deter threats and challenges posed by insurgent groups, defence sources said to ThePrint.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)
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