Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday hinted that outside forces or elements could have a hand in the ethnic violence that has claimed several lives in the state, saying it seems “premeditated”. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Manipur CM said, “…Manipur shares its border with Myanmar. China is also nearby. Our 398 km borders are unsafe and unsafe.
Security forces are deployed along our borders but even a strong and comprehensive security deployment cannot cover such a large area. However, looking at what is happening, we can neither deny nor confirm firmly…It seems to be pre-planned but the reason is not clear. The government is making all out efforts to restore peace in the state. that he spoke on the telephone to his “Kookie brothers and sisters” during the day, saying “Let’s forgive and forget”.
“We are doing everything possible at all levels to restore peace. A few hours ago, I spoke to my Kuki brothers and sisters on the telephone to say let’s forgive and forget; reconcile and live together as always … Sarkar Biren Singh said, “We have only tried to check people coming from outside in view of the Myanmar unrest and send them back when the situation improves. Our priority is to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.”
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In a passionate appeal to the people of the northeastern state, he said that all tribes have to live together, adding that he would not allow Manipur to be divided on ethnic lines. “We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All these 34 tribes have to live together. We just have to be careful that too many people from outside don’t settle here. We have to make sure that that there is no demographic imbalance. As CM, I promise that I will not allow Manipur to break up and neither will there be a separate administrative authority in the state. I will make sacrifices to keep everyone together. I’m ready.”
Caste violence erupted in the state on May 3 after clashes broke out during a rally organized by the All Tribal Students’ Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for inclusion of Meites in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.