Process initiated for dialogue: CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2024: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that steps have been taken up to initiate a dialogue process in order to bring an end to the 10 months old Manipur crisis.

On the third day of the 5th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Manipur Appropriation (No 1) Bill 2024 and Manipur Appropriation (No 2) Bill 2024 were passed today.

Replying to certain points raised by Opposition MLA Th Lokeshwar in the course of discussing the second Bill, Chief Minister N Biren stated that due process to hold dialogue on the protracted crisis has been initiated, and both State forces and Central forces have been deployed in peripheral and vulnerable areas.

The crisis is a matter of grave concern but giving details of how it started would be sub-judice, Biren said.

Process initiated for dialogue: CM

The Chief Minister stated that ideas suggested by MLAs including Th Lokeshwar and the help given by them have been duly noted.

In the course of the crisis, there were instances of Meira Paibis and womenfolk creating hurdles to the movement of Central security forces as they had strong resentment against how the Central security forces were discharging their duties, he mentioned.

"We were also of the view that it would not be right to leave the situation to the Central forces alone.

As such, State police were also pressed into action.

MR, IRB and commando personnel were deployed in vulnerable areas.

In order to enable farmers tend their paddy fields, around 2500 personnel of Manipur State Armed Police were deployed around vulnerable paddy fields", Biren said.

In addition to 20 bullet proof vehicles and 10 bullet proof armoured vehicles which have been already purchased, 10 more bullet proof armoured vehicles would be arriving soon, the Chief Minister informed the House.

It is true that there would be peace when the clashes between the two sides stop, he added.

Shouldering a key responsibility, the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Chairman has started talking with both the parties in order to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, Biren said.

He then appealed to all the people not to take recourse to any movement or post photos, videos and statements on social media which may provoke or create resentment to any community.

He also appealed to one and all to refrain from spreading rumours.

Earlier, Th Lokeshwar pointed out that Khundrakpam AC is one of those places which have been badly affected by the violent crisis.

It would be appropriate for the House to deliberate on how to bring an end to the crisis and restore peace in the State, the Congress MLA stated.

State police, CAPF, army and paramilitary forces have been deployed together in vulnerable areas of Khundrakpam AC and they are assisted by village volunteers.

But troops of 22 Assam Rifles do their duty separately and their conduct is questionable, Lokeshwar said.

CAPF, army and paramilitary forces cannot be left alone to deal with the situation.

Had the Central forces performed their duties sincerely, the scale of casualties and destruction would not have been so high, he decried.

Saying that Sagolmang police station is located at a very strategic position as far as Khundrakpam AC is concerned, Lokeshwar urged the Government to station not less than four commando teams at the police station.

He also sought the attention of the House on what could be done for students residing in violence affected areas and appearing for Class X ad Class XII examinations.

The two Bills were tabled by Chief Minister N Biren who also holds the Finance portfolio.