Immediate trigger was HC order, says Biren
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 01 2024: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that the immediate cause of the violent crisis which erupted in the State on May 3, 2023 was an order issued by the High Court of Manipur.

The Chief Minister made this brief statement in the course of a general discussion on the Budget Estimates in the State Assembly today.

Earlier Chief Minister N Biren stated on several occasions that the violence which erupted in May last year was pre-planned.

On October 21 last year the Chief Minister in an interview to The Times of India had stated "It is also not related to the ST demand of the Meiteis and the seeking of a recommendation on the matter by the Manipur High Court" .

In the same interview the Chief Minister had also stated the violence was a reaction to his Government's War on Drugs, implementation of the Indian Forest Act 1927 and identification of illegal immigrants.

Speaking in the State Assembly today, Biren said that construction of houses has already begun at Sugnu and Torbung where displaced persons are safe to go back to their homes.

He appealed to all the legislators to console the IDPs and focus on exploring a solution instead of stirring the sentiments and emotions of the IDPs.

For construction of houses at places where the IDPs feel safe to return, the Government has already sanctioned Rs five lakh each for kutcha house, Rs seven lakh for semi-pucca house and Rs 10 lakh for pucca house.

These amounts are being released as soon as the houses are okayed for construction, he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that the IDPs will not be able to return to their homes or native villages just because the 50 legislators have taken a decision in this regard.

Given the State's existing situation, it is desirable for the legislators to visit the relief camps and console/pacify the IDPs and work towards finding a solution, Biren said.

The Congress party's election promise to ensure the return of IDPs to their homes if their candidates are elected might have motivated the IDPs to intensify their demand for resettlement at their original places, the Chief Minister said.

IDPs cannot go back home at the moment because a war led by militants is going on.

Resettlement must be done under a proper policy/programme and it would take time, the Chief Minister stated.

He also informed the House that several committees have been formed at the level of the Central Government.

Maintaining that Nagas and Kukis could not go to each other's places for several years during the Naga-Kuki clash, Biren appealed to all concerned not to politicise the current crisis.

"The war is not between us.

But politicisation of the issue tends to make the war a confrontation among ourselves.

Let us concentrate on identification of illegal immigrants and peace initiatives", he said.

Informing that different communities have been holding talks at Silchar to make a peace declaration, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that the Government's efforts and cooperation of the House Members would be able to restore peace in Manipur shortly.

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