IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Monday questioned claims of a return to peace in Manipur following the killing of three civilians in the Khongbal Tangkhul incident, saying the continuing violence raised serious concerns about the security situation on the ground.
Speaking to the media while inspecting the injured victims of the Khongbal Tangkhul incident at Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal, Biren said he could no longer bear to keep counting the number of people killed in attacks on the state’s indigenous communities.
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“I cannot stand counting the number of our people who have been killed any longer. I will take steps to do something to protect the indigenous people of our state,” he said.
Questioning claims that normalcy had returned, the former chief minister said the situation on the ground did not appear to match the assertions that people could move freely without fear.
“Some people say peace has returned and anyone can go anywhere freely, but I don’t know whether such a situation actually exists on the ground,” he said, adding that he did not wish to comment extensively on the matter.
Biren further said he had earlier urged cadres operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement to remain confined to their designated camps and called for military action against other armed groups. However, he expressed concern that the measures he had called for had not been implemented so far.
Stressing the need for stronger security measures, he called for action against armed militants allegedly involved in attacks on Meiteis and Nagas.
Expressing shock over the recent incidents, Biren said protecting the indigenous population must be a priority and called for appropriate measures to prevent further attacks and ensure civilian safety.