Can't set time frame to end violence: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 17 2023: The on-going conflict in Manipur is between a group trying to distort Manipur and another striving to protect the state and the war will continue as long as there are people trying to divide Manipur, stated chief minister N Biren Singh.

When media persons queried as to when will the more than seven months violence between the Meetei and the Kukis in Manipur end on the sidelines of an event at Silchar in Assam, chief minister N Biren responded that the ongoing violence will end when the group trying to distort Manipur give up their nefarious agenda of balkanising the state.

As long as there are people trying to distort Manipur, we will continue to defend and accordingly no time frame can be set to end the ongoing violence, he conceded.

The chief minister along with ministers and some MLAs of Manipur attended the Manipuri Unity Convention-2023 organised by All Assam Manipuri Youth Association at Khoiren in Silchar, Assam on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren said that statues of maharaja Narsingh and Gambhir Singh will be installed besides Lengondabi lake in Cachar and this will give a huge spirit to unify the Meeteis settling outside Manipur.

He also assured that a guest house where Manipuris could take rest will be constructed soon after consulting with ministers.

He then appealed to Meetei and Bishnupuriyas settling in Assam to visit Manipur and a long-lasting committee so that Meetei settling in different states could bring unity and shoulder responsibility in moving to the path of development collectively.

He also assured to consult his Assam counterpart for inclusion of Bishnupuriyas in the OBC category of the state.

The event was also attended by works minister Govindas Konthoujam, PHE minister L Susindro (Yaima), Moirang MLA Th Shanti, Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha and Kakching MLA M Rameshwar.

The CM's visit comes at a crucial time for Manipur, which has been experiencing months of violence since May, marking the CM's first official visit to Assam in the aftermath of the unrest.

Taking to the microblogging site X, N Biren expressed his delight at attending the Manipuri Unity Convention 2023 that served as a platform for affirming the unity of Meeteis, Meitei-Pangals, and Bishnupriya, who have made Assam their home, collectively representing Manipuri identity.

During the convention, the strong historical and cultural ties between Manipur and Assam were highlighted.

These ties, deeply rooted in shared events, were emphasised as a foundation for a united front in the face of challenges.

The Manipuri community in Assam was commended for its pivotal role in preserving and promoting Manipur's rich culture and traditions.

The event was also attended by All Assam Manipuri Youth Association president Romen Luwang, professor Dr Dhiren Khumujam of Assam University, AAMSU ex-president Ch Bijando, Manipuri National Council president Ksh Singhajit, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad Assam vice president Akoijam Soupen, Barak Valley Manipuri Women Lup leader Moiranglei, Women Action for Village Protection president Sunita Konthoujam, Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha secretary general Dr Swapan, Sankriti Parishad central committee president Dilip Singh, NBMM Assam state president Taru Singh, NBMM Manipur state president RK Radhamohon, Mahasabha president Dr KD Shastri and Mahasabha advisor Jugendro.

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