Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh says the state's prolonged cycle of ethnic violence is severely hampering the government's ability to focus on development. Speaking at an event in Imphal West district, Singh expressed frustration that his administration has been forced to prioritize conflict resolution over community progress.
Singh noted that he has traveled to various regions, including Jiribam and Ukhrul, to meet with members of the Kuki, Meitei, Paite, and Tangkhul Naga communities to bridge divides. However, he lamented that these peace efforts were frequently met with fresh violence. He recalled a bomb explosion in the Bishnupur district that killed two children, as well as an ambush in Ukhrul that resulted in the deaths of two Tangkhul civilians shortly after his visit.
The Chief Minister suggested that some individuals are actively working to prevent stability for personal gain. "I feel that some people do not want peace to return to our state," Singh said. "There are those who believe that their financial interests would suffer if normalcy is restored." He also highlighted his concerns regarding groups disrupting the free movement of residents and urged authorities to identify those responsible for the ongoing unrest.
Manipur has faced significant instability since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities began on May 3, 2023. These conflicts have claimed at least 260 lives and caused mass displacement. The state remains under President's Rule following the resignation of the previous government, and recent weeks have seen further violence, including the abduction and recovery of bodies in the Kangpokpi and Senapati districts.
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