Himanta Biswa Sarma lands at Imphal with message from Delhi
'Manipur should not hesitate to ask what is needed'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2023: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma landed in Imphal today and held rounds of meeting with his counterpart in Manipur and different civil society organisations (CSOs) to discuss the backdrop of the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Sources said that the Assam Chief Minister was carrying a message from Delhi as all sides work to find a solution to the ethnic violence in the State that has claimed over 100 lives since May 3 .

However, a senior BJP leader who was present at the meeting said, "We highlighted the issues of the State concerning the violence.

Himanta Biswa Sarma assured us he will work at his level best to restore peace in Manipur" .

The leader, who did not want to be quoted, told PTI: "Sarma said the Manipur BJP should not hesitate to ask what is needed and he will make sure those requirements are met" .

Himanta Biswa Sarma lands at Imphal with message from Delhi

The Assam Chief Minister also asserted that he will inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation and will be back here again in a few days.

Upon his arrival, Himanta Biswa who is also the convenor of North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) held meetings with Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Cabinet Ministers, Naga MLAs, officer bearers of BJP, Manipur Pradesh including its chief A Sarda and representatives of different civil society organisations (CSOs) pertaining to the situation in Manipur.

From Imphal International Airport, he went directly to the Chief Minister's Bungalow and held a meeting with N Biren Singh and his Council of Ministers.

After the meeting, the Assam Chief Minister headed to Hotel Classic and held another round of meeting with representatives of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Forum for Restoration of Peace (FRP) and office bearers of BJP, State Unit.

At the same venue, Himanta Biswa also met Naga MLAs -Awangbow Newmai, Khasim Vashum and Janhemlung Panmei.

Later, Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba, Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Education Minister Thou-naojam Basanta Kumar, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo, Patsoi AC MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor dropped by at Hotel Classic and met the Assam Chief Minister for a brief period.

Addressing the media for about two and a half minutes before he left for Guwahati at Chingmeirong, Himanta Biswa said that he will send a report of what was analysed and discussed during the meetings to Union Home Minister Amit Shah so as to take up further actions to bring peace and stability in Manipur.

To a query, the NEDA convenor said that he might meet Kuki leaders at a later date and expressed regret for not visiting Manipur earlier.

He, however, didn't make any comment on the violence in Manipur.

To another query on the change of leadership, the Assam Chief Minister said that he only came to Manipur to take up confidence building measures.

No official briefing was held to inform the media about the meeting.

(with inputs from PTI) .