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Manipur CM Urges Dialogue for Peace Amid Ongoing Unrest

In a bid to restore peace in Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has called for all stakeholders to engage in dialogue. Following a series of violent protests triggered by a tragic incident in Tronglaobi, the CM emphasized the need for public support in governmental efforts to address ongoing unrest. He announced job provisions for the parents of victims and assured that the government is committed to apprehending those responsible for the violence. The Home Minister also addressed concerns raised by civil society groups, reiterating the government's stance against terrorism and the ongoing investigation by the NIA. As the situation remains tense, the CM's appeal for negotiation highlights the urgent need for collaboration to achieve stability in the region.
 

Call for Negotiation to Restore Peace


IMPHAL, April 27: Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, has once again called on all parties involved to engage in negotiations to foster peace and resolve ongoing issues in the state.


During a press interaction following discussions with various local representatives, Khemchand emphasized the necessity of public and civil society support for governmental efforts to restore tranquility.


He pointed out that the current unrest has severely impacted daily wage workers and disrupted children's education, announcing that the Cabinet has decided to offer government jobs to the parents of children who lost their lives in the tragic Tronglaobi incident.


Addressing the Tronglaobi case, he assured that the government is committed to apprehending those responsible as swiftly as possible.


Manipur has been experiencing ongoing protests following a violent incident on April 7, which resulted in the deaths of two children and left their mother critically injured in Bishnupur district.


Subsequent protests escalated into violence, claiming three additional civilian lives. On Sunday, Khemchand, accompanied by his family and local MLAs, visited the historic Thangjing temple to pray for peace and stability in the region. He shared on social media, expressing hopes for divine blessings for the health and prosperity of the people.


In a briefing on Saturday, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam revealed that the government had reached out to the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) to address their concerns, but the invitation was declined. COCOMI represents various civil society groups in the state.


Responding to COCOMI's memorandum, the Home Minister reiterated the government's commitment to protecting all indigenous communities in Manipur.


Govindas stated that the government will not tolerate any form of terrorism, including narco-terrorism, and highlighted the Centre's goal to eliminate all forms of terrorism in the Northeast by 2029.


He also mentioned that the investigation into the Tronglaobi incident has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with a team already visiting the site.


The Home Minister assured that arrangements are in place for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return home, although this process has been complicated by the current situation and a lack of trust among communities.


Regarding the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki militants, he clarified that the state government cannot unilaterally decide to abrogate the agreement, as it involves the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.


It is noteworthy that COCOMI has presented six inquiries in their memorandum, seeking definitive actions from the state government.