‘Stop violence, start peaceful dialogue’: Manipur CM Biren Singh’s fresh appeal for peace on Christmas

CM Singh said that while normalcy is returning to Imphal, things will also improve in the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi

On Christmas, Manipur Chief Minsiter N Biren Singh has once again appealed for peace in the state, urged people to shun violence and start a peaceful dialogue.

Briefing media persons in Imphal, the Manipur chief minister said that while the violence broke out in May, for the last 5 months there has been no crisis in the state. CM N Biren, however, called for complete normalcy and appealed to people to start peaceful dialogue. Solving problems will take time, the Manipur CM admitted.

“You are counting 8 months (when calculating the time-frame of Manipur unrest) but for the last 5 months there has been no problems. Solving of problems take time, in the meantime I would like to appeal to all the citizens of India, particularly those living in Manipur, to stop violence, to start peaceful dialogue. We have to return the displaced people back to their homes and children have to return to schools, so I would like to request a stop to violence with the coming of Christmas and New Year,” the Chief Minister said.

He was briefing the media in Imphal after the launch of the Government’s official calendar and diary for 2024.

CM N Biren Singh said that while normalcy is returning to Imphal, things will also improve in the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

“During the crisis time, even in Imphal valley, vehicles of security personnel were not allowed to move. Everyone is our people, so we cannot use force but now slowly Imphal is returning to normalcy and like this Kangpokpi and Churchandpur will also become normal,” he said.

The Manipur CM also put to rest speculations of seeking help from Indian Air Force to tackle poppy cultivation menace saying, “Using of Indian Air Force, what is the use? We have drones, we have Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, we have many equipment to destroy it. If we need it, I am the Chief Minister of an Indian state, my wish will be granted within 24 hours but it is not needed right now.”

The Manipur chief minister admitted that months of unrest has affected tourism to a large extent.

He said, “We cannot deny that we are a little affected, particularly in Imphal area and other part of the hills, except two districts, normalcy is there but tourism has reduced to 10-20 per cent.”

Also Read: Low-key Christmas celebrations in strife-torn Manipur

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