Imphal, Aug 15: Expressing contrition to the present ethnic crisis in Manipur, Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh made a fervent appeal for peace in the state and said ‘by forgiving and forgetting among us we can live harmoniously and continuing our journey on the path of development which has lost for the last three months’.
The violence has killed nearly 180 people, displaced over 60,000 and properties worth hundreds of crores have been destroyed.
“The violence won’t bring any development. If there was any misunderstanding and miscommunication among the communities, we can sit across the table and discuss all the shortcomings. For this, our door is always open,” Singh said while hoisting the national tricolour to mark India’s 77th Independence Day celebration here on Tuesday.
The chief minister said as a part of the Indian Union and strictly following its constitutional provision, his government has been continuously working for the betterment and upliftment of the state both in hills and valleys. However, some vested interests and forces from outside tried to destabilize his peace-loving state and country.
His government has never worked and will never commit anything that would be against the constitutional obligation, he said, adding that even if it did, his government won’t survive for a moment.
While appealing to the citizens of the state to avoid violence, the chief minister said his government will continue its war against drugs and to detect and detain all illegal immigrants under the constitution of India.
“This should not be against any individual or community. If there is any misunderstanding or miscommunication, we can discuss it collectively. So that we can bring peace and continue our journey of development. We must continue to strive for inclusivity, justice, and equality for all citizens. My commitment to you, my fellow citizens, is to work tirelessly for your well-being, to create avenues for growth and empowerment, and to uphold the values that define our Nation,” he said.
