Politicisation of crisis creates division among us: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 01 2024: Chief minister N Biren has claimed that politicising the ongoing crisis in the state has potentially created more division among 'us'.

This remark was made on the second day of the 6th session of the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday, during the general discussion on the budget estimate for 2024-25, which he had tabled in the House on Wednesday.

Addressing observations from both opposition and ruling party members, CM Biren emphasised the need for House members, as decision-makers, to help pacify the public and prevent the crisis from taking an emotional turn.

The crisis is akin to a war, he stated, noting involvement of underground elements and use of arms.

He mentioned that the state is attempting to control the situation through several committees with active involvement from the Centre.

As a result, there have been no armed skirmishes or killings reported for several days.

Biren questioned the members if the Kuki and Naga communities had entered each other's areas during the ethnic clashes from 1992 to 1998 and cited promises made during the Lok Sabha election campaign to resettle displaced people if elected.

Reports suggest that certain individuals have been instigating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Akampat relief camp for the rally, leading to clashes with police personnel.

"Politicising the situation has potentially created division among us," he said, asserting that the government is actively working on restoring peace and promising potential positive announcements soon.

Urging members to support the government's efforts and welcoming positive suggestions, he said that simply taking resolutions by the 50 members of the House cannot resettle the displaced people.

He then assured that construction of houses is going on in places where situation has improved, and the government has reserved funds for the reconstruction of houses for displaced people as soon as the situation get conducive.

Compensation is being provided for affected farmers, and work in some farmlands are being facilitated with deployment of security.

Efforts are also on to resettle displaced people from Churachandpur and Moreh.

Not every measures taken up by the government could be disclosed in such crucial situation, he expressed.

Addressing concerns about the state's economy, CM Biren reassured that efforts are being made to ensure that the economy does not get worse and highlighted that, unlike in the past, government employees are receiving regular salaries, with effort made to smoothen financial management.

While acknowledging rising inflation triggered by the crisis, he stated that measures are being taken to reduce it.

Further stating that remuneration of Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel has been increased following a court order, and ASHA workers are receiving honorarium at par with the national level, Biren mentioned that utilisation certificates for most central sector schemes have been submitted on time.

In response to concerns about local contractors impacted by awarding of development projects to companies from outside the state, CM Biren assured that steps would be taken to engage local contractors as sub-contractors as much as possible.

Most national highway projects are handled by NHIDCL, but the state will work towards involving local contractors in other projects.

Regarding the budget, CM Biren clarified that the budget for 2024-25 is not less than last year's budget, with the main reduction being in salary expenditure and no reduction in development expenditure.

Although the Economic Survey for this year could not be completed due to the crisis, efforts are being made to finalise it soon.

The state is receiving significant financial assistance from the Central government.

The GSDP was not deliberately increased to gain more central funding.

The MSME sector is being promoted, and the state is receiving a grant of around Rs 7000 crore from NEDFi with the state government as the guarantor.

Start-up revival schemes and various economic activities are being undertaken, and financial assistance is being provided to displaced people in relief camps.

Recently, Rs 330 crore in financial assistance was distributed in a function held at City Convention Centre.

CM Biren also assured the House that the government is making every effort to address the crisis from multiple angles and urged for cooperation and support from all members to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

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