Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has alleged that certain elements are working against efforts to restore peace, making it difficult for the government to focus on development activities.
Addressing a programme in Imphal West district, Singh recurring incidents of unrest have forced the administration to concentrate largely on maintaining law and order.
“There has been unrest in the State since I became Chief Minister. So, while we have been occupied in maintaining law and order, our focus on development activities has taken a backseat,” he said.
The Chief Minister recalled his visits to conflict-affected areas, including Jiribam, where he met members of the Kuki, Meitei and Paite communities and appealed for peace and reconciliation.
“Shortly after returning from Jiribam, a bomb attack in Tronglaobi area of Bishnupur district claimed the lives of two children and injured their mother, triggering widespread protests and unrest,” he said.
Singh also referred to his visit to Ukhrul district, where he met Kuki and Tangkhul Naga villagers and urged them to work towards peace. “However, on the same day, an ambush led to the killing of two Tangkhul civilians,” he said.
“I think there are some people who don’t want peace in our land. Some people presume that earning money would not be possible if peace prevailed,” he said.
The chief minister alleged that certain elements were attempting to obstruct the free movement of people across the state and called for the identification of such individuals.
Despite Peace Push, Certain Elements Working Against Manipur’s Progress: CM
