Arrest of CKLA duo proves foreign hand in unrest: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 24 2023: Chief minister N Biren Singh has said that the arrest of two cadres of Chin Kuki Liberation Army (CKLA) along with huge arms and ammunition by security forces has proven involvement of foreign nationals in the ongoing war waged against India by terror groups based in Myanmar and Bangladesh in collusion with local militants.

While referring to the declaration by National Investigation Agency (NIA) that the ongoing violence in Manipur is not a Meetei-Kuki or majority-minority clashes but a war waged against India by terror groups based in Myanmar and Bangladesh in collusion with some militant groups of Manipur, the chief minister said that there is nothing more to say than this and both governments of India and Manipur have been fighting the war together.

Apart from completing deployment of security forces for fighting the war, several bunkers have been destroyed and operations carried out to round up people involved in unlawful activities, Biren said.

The chief minister stated this during the foundation stone laying ceremony of various projects in Andro assembly constituency held on Tuesday at Leitan pekpham playground, Andro.

Addressing the gathering, N Biren said that people were earlier confused about the root cause of the ongoing conflict but NIA's declaration followed by arrest of CKLA cadres with huge arms and ammunition confirmed involvement of foreign terror outfits in the ongoing war.

He also said that the war was planned since the past 20/30 years.

Expressing deep sorrow over loss of lives belonging to both the communities in conflict, CM Biren said that the government has been making all possible efforts to restore peace and normalcy.

He also sought support and cooperation of the people in government's initiative to normalise the situation.

The ongoing war is also for protecting environment and ecology and not just gun-fights, Biren said, while reiterating that poppy cultivation and entry of illegal immigrants into the state will never be allowed as long as the present government exists.

According to CM Biren, the Central government instructed the state on May 29 to complete collection of biometric data of illegal immigrants within September this year and duly initiated the process.

However, the Central government extended collection of biometric data for illegal immigrants for one year in consideration of the request of the state government, he said, adding that people should not act under emotions but rather cooperate with the government to bring back normalcy through democratic and constitutional means.

The Government has to continue taking up development works for the welfare of the people despite the tough phase the state has been passing through and accordingly organised the foundation stone laying ceremony, explained Biren.

The projects include Manipur Road Project - Improvement of roads in and around Keithelmanbi, Tumukhong and Moirangpurel, Ima Market at Andro and Football Ground with Natural Grass at Andro.

The implementing agency of Ima Market and Football Ground is Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited while that road improvement project has been entrusted to DRDA, Imphal East, he added.

On a memorandum submitted by students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Andro, N Biren informed that the state cabinet had taken decision to provide ex-gratia to the families of accident victims of Thambalnu Higher Secondary School, Yairipok and the same would be handed over soon.

He also informed that the government would consider the proposal for upgrading KGBV, Andro to higher secondary after consultation and also assured to consider certain demands included in the memorandum placed by locals of Andro mentioning that the football ground with natural grass would be constructed at a post of around Rs 8.52 crore so that players from Andro could also join the footballers from Manipur who are representing the Indian football team.

He continued that the government is constructing an Ima Market at Andro with a sanctioned amount of around Rs 3 crore considering the contributions of women vendors in improving economy of the state.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, while address ing the gathering, stated that participation in large number by locals of Andro in the foundation laying programme has shown their confidence and trust in the present government.

On the current conflict in the state, Govindas highlighted the state government's initiative to preserve forest and nature, root out drug menace and identify illegal immigrants as the real reason for the outbreak of the current unrest.

Recalling the order from the Union Home Ministry to identify illegal immigrants in the state and investigation by National Investigation Agency to find out the root cause of the violence, he maintained that the Central government has serious concern for the people of Manipur.

He continued that construction of Ima Markets was started in hill districts considering its importance in the improvement of the economy.

He also stressed the importance of good road infrastructure for economic development.

The minister also informed that a project proposal for construction of Imphal-Yairipok road spanning around 26 km at a project cost of around Rs 89 crore had been sent to Central Road Infrastructure Fund in 2022-23.However, as the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways did not approve any project that year, the state government included the same in this year's proposal as priority, he said while assuring that the road would be repaired once the proposal is approved.

Manipur Tourism Corporation Limited chairman MLA Th Shyamkumar, who also attended the event, said that people of Andro have been taking part in public movement on every issue including the present one.

He assured that Andro Ima Keithel would be handed over to people at the earliest.

During the programme, CM N Biren also handed over jobs cards under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to beneficiaries.

The event was also attended by Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation chairman MLA Kh Ibomcha, Wangoi MLA Kh Loken, Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, village chief of Andro, senior government officials, students and public of Andro.

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