Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on Wednesday, called for support from Naga civil society organizations in Senapati district to help restore peace in the violence-stricken state. Speaking at the RobvenaNi 2024 cultural event in Punanamei village, Singh emphasized the importance of unity among communities and the role of organizations in fostering peace.
Addressing the gathering, Singh acknowledged the challenges the state has faced over the past 19 months, stating, “Manipur has been facing hardship in the last 19 months, and the situation is improving gradually by God’s grace.” He further highlighted the theme of the event—getting together, reconciliation, and forgiveness—saying these were essential for healing the state.
The Chief Minister recognized the significant role of Senapati district and its civil society organizations, including the Naga Peoples’ Organization, Senapati District Students’ Association, and United Naga Council Headquarters, in maintaining the unity and integrity of Manipur. He added that these groups were pivotal in strengthening the indigenous communities of the state.
Singh also elaborated on the state government’s ‘Go to Hills’ campaign, aimed at promoting interactions between the hill and valley communities while bringing the government closer to the people of the hills. “I came here today to seek help from the people of Senapati district to restore peace and normalcy in the state,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to unity, Singh asserted that a united Manipur could only be achieved through equal development and mutual respect among both the hill and valley populations. He further addressed the ongoing war on drugs, which aims to safeguard the youth from the drug menace, as well as the identification of illegal immigrants to protect the indigenous population.
Singh noted the presence of 34 recognized tribes in the state, of which 24 or 25 are indigenous. He mentioned the establishment of the Sangai Ethnic Park to showcase the unique cultures of each tribe. He explained that the government had closely monitored the growth of villages, even those with unrecognized groups, using satellite images.
“The count of indigenous Naga people of Mao, Maram, Poumai, and others is hardly one lakh. The population of Tangkhul, the largest Naga sub-tribe, is not much,” Singh said, underlining the necessity to identify illegal immigrants, which led to the ethnic violence. He acknowledged the tragic loss of lives and the displacement of many people due to these incidents.
Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki tribes has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless. Singh assured that efforts were ongoing to build a Rs 140-crore unity mall in Imphal East, which will feature stalls from all recognized tribes as part of efforts to promote peace and unity.
He also highlighted the need to expand Senapati town to accommodate the growing population and improve infrastructure. Singh reached Punanamei village by helicopter after the Kuki Zo Council in Churachandpur restricted his passage to Senapati via road through Kangpokpi district.
Singh reached the interior Naga village to attend the programme by helicopter after the Kuki Zo Council in Churachandpur said it would not allow him to go to Senapati by passing through Kangpokpi district by road.