CM Biren warns warmongers, Including MLAs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2024: Chief minister N Biren has issued a stern warning, stating that even MLAs will not be spared if they attempt to disrupt peace and public order by exploiting public sentiment.

He also announced plans to hold talks with Thadou community leaders in Imphal, while Hmar leaders have also proposed discussions in the state capital.

Biren made these remarks on the final day of the ongoing state assembly session on Monday while discussing the Manipur Appropriation (No 5) Bill, 2024.Addressing concerns raised by ruling members, CM Biren stated that the state and Central governments are making their best efforts to resolve the crisis, which has been affecting all sections of the society for over a year.

Stressing on the importance of initiating talks with various community leaders, particularly those from Thadou, Hmar, and Paite communities, who he said were not originally involved in the conflict but have dragged in, he revealed that the government is in the process of inviting a delegation of 20-30 members from the Thadou community to Imphal for discussions.

Additionally, Hmar leaders have expressed their desire to engage in talks in Imphal, to which the government has responded positively.

Biren underscored the need for public support in achieving a peaceful resolution, noting that communication with leaders of other communities, who are long-established residents of the state, is ongoing.

Emphasising on ending the crisis to uphold unity, identity, and integrity of Manipur, the CM also highlighted measures initiated by the Central government, including crackdown on illegal immigrants, extension of the Inner Line Permit ILP) system after 30 years of public uproar, and initiation of border fencing for which the Centre had recently instructed the state government to initiate fencing of the border along the 240-km porous Indo-Myanmar border.

He mentioned that these steps are aimed at ensuring the protection of indigenous people and maintaining peace in the region.

Conceding that the government did not anticipate the crisis but is committed to addressing it, even as some individuals incited those languishing in relief camps to launch public movements, Biren criticised those who, despite holding power for 15 years, are now attempting to create upheaval to draw political mileage.

As such he urged the public not to be swayed by such individuals, who are only clamouring for power.

The chief minister also acknowledged efforts of Naga MLAs in reaching out to community leaders to broker peace and affirmed that he shall retire from active politics only after achieving lasting unity and protection for Manipur's indigenous communities.

Biren also reflected on the public sentiment during the last Lok Sabha elections, stating that the Congress party propounded false narratives of the PM not speaking on Manipur crisis to win the election.

He expressed frustration over a Congress member's failure to keep the promises made during the campaign, including the resettlement of displaced people, but fiercely raising the issue in the Parliament.

The CM further addressed the controversy surrounding the viral video of the sexual assault of two women circulated just a day before the last Parliament session.

He accused opposition, INDIA bloc, of using the video to humiliate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to push for a no-confidence motion against the government.

Biren questioned the timing of the video's release and suggested that it was part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise his government.

He questioned how the PM would feel okay to sit and talk with the same Congress to discuss the issue after the humiliation he suffered.

In his remarks, Biren also touched upon the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, accusing Congress leaders of misrepresenting his statements in the House to the media.

He challenged a Congress member's remark on Manipur potentially becoming like Bangladesh, and claimed that Bangladesh is suffering the situation for rejecting US attempt to establish a military base in the country.

He questioned the Congress party whether they were suggesting that Manipur should give up its land to illegal immigrants.

Concluding his speech, CM Biren Urged MLAs to host meals in relief camps on Independence Day and to personally inquire about the grievances of the displaced people, emphasising the need for compassion and support during these challenging times.

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