Manipur Home Minister Condemns Recent Violence Amid Ongoing Ethnic Tensions
Home Minister's Response to Violence in Manipur
File image of Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam addressing the state Assembly. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Sept 14: Following the tragic deaths of four individuals in separate assaults on villages in Manipur, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated on Monday that the state will not allow any acts of violence to disrupt its journey towards peace and stability.
In a social media update, Konthoujam expressed his profound sorrow regarding the incidents that occurred in Tollen Kuki village, located in Tamenglong district, and Longpi village in Noney district.
He emphasized that violence against innocent civilians is intolerable and will be addressed decisively.
The Home Minister also mentioned that he has instructed relevant authorities to take all necessary actions to ensure justice is served.
“I have directed the officials to investigate the incidents, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is administered impartially,” he stated.
Konthoujam assured that those accountable for the violence will be pursued legally and held responsible.
“At this pivotal moment, we will not permit any act of violence to obstruct Manipur's path to peace and normalcy... the law will prevail, justice will be sought, and peace will be safeguarded,” he added.
The violent incidents occurred in Tamenglong and Noney districts, coinciding with the Kuki community's annual observance of “Black Day,” commemorating victims of the Kuki-Naga ethnic conflicts from the 1990s.
In one of the attacks, Lhingjangai Singsit was killed in her home during a pre-dawn assault on Tollen Kuki village, situated near NH-37, which connects Imphal to Jiribam. Her husband, Seineih Singsit, and their infant son were also injured during this attack.
Seineih later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital in Silchar, Assam.
Additionally, two other individuals, a man and a woman, were fatally shot by armed militants in a separate incident at Longpi village under the jurisdiction of Nungba Police Station on Sunday afternoon.
This attack occurred around 3:30 PM, raising the total death toll from the violence in these two districts to four.
The recent killings have exacerbated the already tense situation in Manipur, which has been grappling with ongoing violence and ethnic strife for over three years.