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By Suryagni Roy: Amid violence in parts of Manipur on Wednesday during an ongoing protest by tribals over a court order on Scheduled Tribe status, politicians have appealed for peace in the region. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that a misunderstanding between two groups led to the clashes, as he appealed for peace.
“There have been incidents of violence and arson in parts of Manipur. It happened due to the prevailing misunderstanding between two sections of society. The state government is taking steps to control the law and order situation. Additional central paramilitary forces have been deputed in sensitive areas. We are committed to protecting the life and property of our people. In this hour, I appeal to one and all to maintain peace and harmony in your respective areas. I urge you not to believe in rumours and unverified messages,” Singh said.
The chief minister said that the long-term grievances of communities will also be suitably addressed in “due course in consultation with people and their representative organizations”, adding that he spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga about the Kuki people in Manipur.
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“I apprised him of the present situation and that it was because of the misunderstanding and communication gap between the two communities. We have around 35 communities together here since time immemorial. The incident which took place yesterday was due to a misunderstanding and some communication gap and now, everything is settled and will be normal very soon,” he said.
Zoramthanga, in a letter to N Biren Singh, wrote that he was deeply pained by the violence in the state. “As the chief minister of Mizoram, a lifelong neighbour that has much in common with Manipur in terms of history and culture, I am deeply pained by the violence that has flared up in parts of your State and the underlying tension between the Meitei community and tribals there,” he wrote, requesting N Biren Singh to exercise leadership and reach out to all the parties involved to bring an end to the violence.
“I urge you to exercise the kind of leadership that the people of your own state know you are capable of and reach out to all parties involved to try and bring an end to this senseless violence,” the letter read.
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Conrad Sangma, the chief of the National People’s Party, which won seven seats in the state, advocated for peace.
“Pained and disturbed to see the unrest in Manipur. The beautiful sister state has come a long way towards peace and harmony. Appeal to our brothers and sisters to come together for peace,” Sangma tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should focus on restoring peace in Manipur.
“Deeply concerned about Manipur’s rapidly deteriorating law and order situation. The prime minister must focus on restoring peace and normalcy. I urge the people of Manipur to stay calm,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi.
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