Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday cautioned that SoO Kuki militants operating in the state would face harsh consequences if they did not stop attacking villages situated in the foothills and civilians.
“I appeal to the SoO Kuki militants to stop their attack otherwise they will have to face the consequences,” he said.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of his visit to a relief camp in Heingang Kangjeibung, Imphal East, he highlighted that a security review meeting would be convened swiftly to prevent further untoward incidents in the state and assess recent outbursts of arson and violence in high-security zones.
“The review meeting will deliberate on how cases of arson and violence could break out in areas with heavy security deployment,” he added.
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Meanwhile, he strongly urged the people of the Meitei community not to carry out attacks on other communities and maintain peace so that peace and normalcy could be restored swiftly.
Addressing the apprehension of Meiteis in Mizoram, he pointed out that he had reached out to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga about the present crisis in Manipur and maintained that the Mizoram chief minister had assured that the Meiteis in Mizoram would be properly protected and safeguarded.
“I have also extended the opportunity of dialogue with members of both communities to Pu Zoramthanga if he is willing,” he said.
On immediate government measures for relief and rehabilitation of displaced people, Biren mentioned that around three-to-four thousand prefabricated houses will be set up for displaced people in the state.
“Prefabricated houses will be constructed to accommodate them until permanent measures are in place to shift them to their previous residences as such the government is searching for suitable sites for the construction,” he said.
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He further stated that the houses had been ordered and construction would be completed within two months maximum.
Regarding apprehension of student involvement in agitation, once the government opens up schools, the chief minister discarded the apprehension and assured that such would not happen.
“I don’t think that will happen as we will only open up schools till class eight; education cannot be neglected even in times of crisis or else the present and future generations will be ruined,” he added.
He further appealed to all people of the state not to disrupt education and hospitals, and strive to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
