Naga MLAs urge all to maintain calm
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 04 2023: The six Naga MLAs have appealed to every Manipuri to lend support to the Government to restore peace and normalcy in the State.

Addressing a press conference at the Durbar Hall of the CM's Secretariat today, Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai said the violent activities carried out by a group of people yesterday was unfortunate.

Saying that the Centre and the State Government have been working to bring peace and development in Manipur, he added that holding of the Femina Miss India and G20 Summit in Manipur itself is a testament of the Government commitment to take Manipur to greater heights.

Further appealing to the people of Manipur to contribute in restoring peace and normalcy in the State, the Minister said that the violence, if it continues, will harm every section of the Manipur society.

None will gain from this fight among the people, Awangbow added.

Saying that the volatile situation in Manipur will only hinder the developmental pace of the State, the Minister appealed to the people to practice restraint.

He also appealed to all religious, CSO and locality leaders to play the central role in preventing destruction of properties and attack on families.

On being asked why the Government didn't ban the Tribal Solidarity March beforehand, Awangbow said that the Government preventing people from airing their grievances through a peaceful protest would be undemocratic.

Awangbow further said that the Government did ask the organiser of the rally to take out their procession peacefully.

He also claimed that the Government made adequate security measures 'but things went out of hand unfortunately' .

Awangbow went on to state that the legislators and Government were busy yesterday due to the visit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in Manipur.

Stating that they have been monitoring the developing situation since yesterday from the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Awangbow continued that the Government has also been holding dialogue with the top brass of the Assam Rifles, BSF and CRPF to control the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also been apprised about the volatile situation in Manipur by the Chief Minister, Awangbow added.

He informed that the Government has already launched a rescue operation at the violence hit areas with the help of security personnel.

The State Government has also apprised the Centre about the alleged involvement of the cadres of SoO group in yesterday's violence, Awangbow said and added that the Centre has started sending Rapid Action Force (RAF) and paramilitary force to prevent further violence.

Awangbow continued that he has started reaching out to the leaders of Naga and Meetei civil society organisations to control the violence.

He then appealed to the people to refrain from spreading rumour which can escalate the already volatile situation.

Transport Minister Khasim Vashum, Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah, Tamenglong AC MLA Janghemlung Panmei, Phungyar AC MLA K Leishiyo and Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha also attended the programme.

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