Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday appealed to the people of Manipur to give peace a chance while seeking their support and confidence in the both the state and central government to restore normalcy in the state.
Addressing the press at CM Darbar Hall, Imphal, Biren appealed to people of the state to put their trust in the Government of India and government of Manipur for restoring normalcy in the state.
He also stated that the Manipur government is strongly against a "separate administration" and that it will not step back in its fight for territorial integrity of the state.
“The land of Manipur is for us, for the 35 communities, including the Meitei (Meetei). We will not allow any kind of alternative administration... Our clear-cut stand against separate administration was known by the prime minister and Union home minister. And, even the Union home minister repeatedly stressed that no separate administration would be given. So, why ask again and again,” Biren said.
The chief minister also reacted strongly to political parties and the people who were against PM Modi’s silence on the Manipur violence, stating that the prime minister himself sent his lieutenant, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for three days to Manipur to monitor the situation.
Adding that the Centre even provided more than Rs 100 crore as immediate relief fund, the chief minister questioned why one should play politics in that.
“In other states of the country, such kind of violence takes place too but it is the first time in history that the Union Home Minister spent three days in a state during violence,” Biren said.
Highlighting that around 40,000 displaced people were evacuated from Imphal to Churachandpur, Moreh to Imphal, Churachandpur to Imphal, Imphal to Moreh, Biren added that all such activities have been done by the government under tight security measures.
Moreover, ministers and MLAs were taking charge and responsibility of every relief camp, the CM said.
Under the vision of PM Modi, the Union home minister was directly dealing and monitoring the situation of Manipur and constituted a judicial enquiry commission, Biren said.
The state government is trying its best for providing ration and other necessary items, he added.
The chief minister also said the government will not accept the killing of civilians by terrorists.
"Peace is important for any solution but let’s not agree and follow instigation of others," the CM added.
He also appealed to the general public for bringing peace and to deal with any issue according to constitutional provisions. He also called on the people not to block movement of security forces, stating that they have help in evacuation.
Looking at the coming rainy season and the stranded people taking shelter at relief camps, the state cabinet has decided to construct around 4000 prefabricated homes for rehabilitation.
Those stranded people who are staying at relief camps at schools, people who are not going back to Churachandpur or Imphal or Moreh can stay at a prefabricated home, Biren informed.
CM further informed that the state cabinet has decided to issue identity cards and other government documents to people who have either lost them or were burned during the violence after proper verification.
The state cabinet ministers and MLAs, including officials, have started verifying schools and colleges as well as students who were studying in Imphal or Churachandpur for arranging schools or colleges in their desired places, so as to start schooling within two or three months.
Further, in every relief camp, an MLA or minister will take in-charge for verifying bank accounts, Aadhaar, identifying beneficiaries under any schemes of government, insurance, LPG gas connection etc.
Biren further informed that those stranded people who can stay at their own house but the houses were burned down can also construct their houses under the Housing Scheme or One Family One Livelihood Scheme. It will start within three months.
Regarding the internet, he appealed to bear for a few more days as the government is suspicious of rumours spreading and may lead to more violence.
Since government offices have started functioning in full swing, “No work, No pay” will be implemented for government officials, Biren said, adding that the work cannot stop due to violence.
For those employees who face difficulties in attending offices either in Imphal or other districts can work through the e-office system, as the government already implemented.
Regarding the unending violence despite deployment of heavy security forces and efforts to rein in SoO cadres, the chief minister said that some splinter groups are involved in attacks on civilians.
He reiterated the government’s stand against those indulging in acts of violence. He said that 40,000 security forces on the ground are already tasting success but some splinter groups, who claim that they are not under SoO, are operating in the state.
“We cannot deny it. My assurance from the government of Manipur is that we will definitely protect our civilians from such militant activities. I am appealing to the people of my state to calm down and stay inside their homes”, Biren said.
Biren said whatever has happened has happened and called for giving peace a chance. Have confidence in the government of Manipur and the government of India who are doing their best to tackle the situation and bring normalcy to the state, he said.
Regarding rejection to be a part of the state level peace committee by some among 51 members, CM said that the governor may not be able to take their opinion for each and everyone. It is democracy, everyone has their own opinion, he added.
