Manipur Chief Minister Demands End to Ethnic Violence

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh signaled a hard push for peace this weekend. He told a public gathering that dialogue is the only way out of the ethnic bloodbath tearing the state apart. Violence has dragged on for over three years. It stops progress.

The fighting between Meitei and Kuki groups started in May 2023. It killed more than 260 people and drove thousands from their homes. Singh noted the toll on the public. He said, "development cannot take place without peace and asserted that the people of Manipur are eager to move beyond the violence that has gripped the state for more than three years."

Economic damage is heavy. Revenue is down. Students are missing classes. The poor pay the highest price. Singh pointed to Churachandpur as a sign of progress, noting the district is finally quiet. But he warned that agitators still exist. Certain individuals profit from the chaos and want to keep it alive.

Authorities will hunt these people down. Singh promised the law would deal with anyone trying to wreck the peace process. Earlier, he attended the funeral for BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte. Valte died after a 2023 mob attack in Imphal left him with severe injuries.