Manipur CM Biren Singh Criticises Central Forces; Emphasises Protection Over Observation

Singh asserted that the central forces are in the state to help content the violence and not to simply watch and observe. 

Waari Singbul Network  | 21 Jan 2024  | Imphal : Manipur Chief minister N Biren Singh expressed dissatisfaction on Sunday over the manner in which the Central forces are approaching with the present crisis gripping Manipur.

Emphasizing that their role extends beyond observation to the protection of lives and property, Singh asserted that the central forces are in the state to help content the violence and not to simply watch and observe. 

“You (Central forces) are not invited to observe what is going on. You are invited to protect the integrity of the state and life and properties of the innocent people. We are Indians,” the CM said.

The Chief Minister was addressing at the 52nd Statehood day parade held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground in Imphal.  

He urged heightened vigilance among state forces in response to the challenging security situation.

This came in the wake of the recent intensified onslaughts on security personnel and civilians by suspected Kuki militants at various places of the state, including Moreh town and Bishnupur district.

Manipur, a princely state merged into India in 1949, and was granted Statehood in 1972.

Taking into account the prevailing situation besieging the restive state, he also appealed to all state forces to stay vigil all the time.

Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for the latter’s recent assurance to end the Free Movement Regime, fence the India-Myanmar border, and implement NRC (National Registry of Citizenship) Biren said these assurances are the biggest gifts for the people of Manipur.

The CM warned those who are challenging Manipur’s unity and integrity, saying that they should know that the state’s indigenous people would unite to meet any such challenge.

Biren reiterated that if there is scope for dialogue he is ready and that the state force is also ready for any challenges. He added that attacks on unarmed civilians should cease on both sides for the sake of humanity.

He saluted to all security forces who have sacrificed their lives and also paid homage to the civilians who have lost their lives.

On developmental aspects, he said the present government has special interest in development of the hill districts in various sectors, highlighting the up gradation of educational institutions, development of sports facilities like indigenous wrestling stadium in Senapati, Youth Skill Development Centres in district headquarters, etc.

Biren continued that in the past few years, the government has shown its commitment to inclusive development and has been working towards bringing development across Manipur without any divisions between valley and hills. 

In various fields, many changes had been brought in, including health, education, road infrastructure in the state.

Believing that without equal development there can be no peace and unity, he said the government had been developing infrastructure in the hills over the past five or so years bringing a huge landscape change.

“Unfortunately, the unwanted incidents of May 3 last have stopped developmental works in some districts,” the CM  lamented.

Showing concern on the conditions of the people displaced by the ongoing conflict and are currently putting up at  relief camp inmates, the CM  said the DC’s should visit the camps at least once in a week and interact with the individuals and families to know their grievances.

The government is putting all efforts to safeguard and protect the state, Biren said , adding  “We are Indians and  every life is precious.”