National desk, 2 June: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday indicated that external forces or elements may be behind the communal violence that has claimed a large number of lives in the state and it appears to be a “pre-planned”
In an exclusive interview with news agency ANI, Chief Minister of Man said, “Manipur borders Myanmar. China is also located on the sidelines. The 398 km area of our border is not safe at all. Security forces have been deployed along our borders, but even with a strong and wide range of deployment of security forces, it is not possible to cover such a vast area. However, by witnessing what is happening in the state, we cannot deny or assert it even though it seems pre-planned, but the reason is not clear. ”
Stating that the Centre and the state government were making all efforts to restore peace to the state, he said that earlier in the day, he had a telephonic conversation with the Kuki brothers and sisters and said, “Let us forgive and forget”.
Chief Minister Biren Singh stated” We are making all efforts at all levels to restore peace in the state. A few hours ago, I spoke to our Cookie siblings by telephone that let us forgive and forget; Come forward to socialise and live together just like we were together before. In the wake of the unrest in Myanmar, the government is trying to screen people coming from outside and send them back only when the situation improves. Our priority is to restore the atmosphere of peace and normalcy to.“
Making an emotional appeal to the people of the north-eastern state, he said that all the tribes have to live together. He also said that he would not allow Manipur to be divided on the basis of ethnic boundaries.
The chief minister also said “We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 communities. All of these 34 communities must be together. We just have to be careful so that different people from outside do not come and settle here. We have to ensure that there is no demographic imbalance here. As chief minister of the state, I have promised that I will not allow Manipur to be demolished and there will be no separate administrative authority in the state. I am ready to give up to keep everyone together. ”
Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union to protest against the demand for including Meitei in the List of Scheduled Tribes.
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