SA demand is outlandish : CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 26 2023: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has categorically rejected and rubbished the demand for a separate administration raised by 10 Kuki MLAs after the May 3 violence today.

He said the State Government will identify all illegal immigrants and drive them out of the State.

The Chief Minister made these statements on Kargil Vijay Diwas observed at the Manipur Secretariat (South Block) Conference Hall.

N Biren said the current conflict in Manipur is between the Government and elements who want to disturb the peaceful coexistence in the State.

While peace has been restored gradually in several places, violence has continued in some places.

There have been reports about Kuki miscreants trying to burn houses at Moreh today morning and a student being injured on the head by a bullet fired by Kukis at Phougakchao Ikhai yesterday, he said.

SA demand is outlandish : CM

The CM said the current attacks and the turmoil were planned some 20/30 years ago after claiming, demarcating and dividing our land.

They had even published a book "Zoungam" in this line.

The current "war" is between the State Government and the Kuki militants backed by the Kuki terrorists from across the border, he said.

He asserted that the present conflict is not ethnic either.

The conflict in the initial stage was purely between the armed Kukis and the State Government.

It turned into an ethnic conflict only after civilians belonging to both communities were hurt, he said.

The tension first erupted as a result of the State Government's crackdown on drug cartels.

The current war is between the State Government on one side and the drug cartels and armed elements who want to destroy and disintegrate Manipur on the other side, said N Biren.

Nonetheless, the CM stressed that the State Government is not against the Kuki community who have been residing in the State since a long time.

Taking note of the "solidarity rally" held in Mizoram, the Chief Minister said Mizoram CM Zoramthanga should not interfere in the internal matters of Manipur.

He strongly condemned the use of "abusive words" against him in the solidarity rally held at Mizoram which was also participated by Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, calling it "barbaric" .

He also condemned the resolution taken by the European Parliament regarding the crisis in Manipur and the portrayal of the crisis as a clash between the Hindus and Christians without knowing the ground reality.

The CM said some newly formed organisations are spinning webs of lies based on their false and concocted history.

These organisations are playing the victim card and spreading lies to the media.

This is unfortunate, he said.

The State Government is observing all incidents, he said, warning against those elements who are trying to distort the integrity of Manipur.

Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal are all districts of Manipur and none can do whatever they like in these districts.

One shouldn't take the State to be weak.

The Government at any time, anywhere, anywhere place is ready to defend the State.

The State Government will never succumb to any threat, he said.

He stated that as citizens of the country, all sections of the people should uphold the Constitution.

People should also abide by the laws and they should respect the Forest Act, he said.

Disregarding the Forest Act is like disregarding the Constitution, he added.

On the case regarding the viral video on a mob parading two women nude, N Biren said the State Government would have taken immediate action if it had the video early.

N Biren appreciated the contribution of Central security forces in the Government's initiative to restore peace and stressed the need to work with more sincerity and transparency.

He said protecting the lives of the people is the responsibility of the Centre and the State Government.

The Government is putting in every effort to restore peace and tranquillity in the State by holding talks with different stakeholders and representatives of different communities, he said.

The State Government has started constructing prefabricated houses at different places to relocate the displaced people and steps have been taken up to ensure supply of essential items at the relief camps, he said.

Different clashes between communities have happened in the past, however, after the problems were solved, the communities coexisted together again as brothers and sisters, he said, expressing hope for reconciliation and appealing to all to cooperate in ending violence and restoring peace.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, N Biren said the day is observed on July 26 to celebrate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999 .

Soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland deserve every respect, he said.

Delivering his speech as president of the function, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Yumnam Khemchand stated that the Indian Army defeated the Pakistan Army in the Kargil War.

The valour and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers defend the freedom and the integrity of our country.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 to remember the victory brought by our brave soldiers, he said.

Yumnam Khemchand appealed to all the people of Manipur to contribute to bringing peace and harmony in the State.

Ministers Govindas Konthoujam, Awangbow Newmai, Heikham Dingo, Th Basantakumar, Khashim Vashum, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, high ranking civil and police officials attended the programme.