Requesting the warring groups in Manipur to maintain peace, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region G Kishan Reddy on Sunday said the Central Government was ready for talks and settle the issue.
Stating that the Centre was not adamant when it came to people’s welfare, Reddy said that it even withdrew the three Farm Laws when agriculturists demanded the repeal of the controversial regulations.
Riots broke out in Manipur between the Meitei community, which mainly live in Imphal Valley, and the Naga and Kuki tribes who are inhabitants of the hill districts, over the demand of the former for Scheduled Tribe status. Life started limping back to normalcy under the watchful eyes of army drones and helicopters deployed for aerial reconnaissance as curfew was relaxed on Sunday in parts of Manipur. People were seen coming out in large numbers to buy food, medicines and other essential commodities during the curfew relaxation period from 7 AM to 10 AM in riot-affected Churachandpur town. Army and Assam Rifles columns conducted a flag march through the town as soon as the curfew relaxation ended at 10 AM. In all some 120-125 Army columns have been deployed in the entire riot-hit State.
Sources said some 10,000 soldiers, para-military and central police forces have been deployed in Manipur.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said peace committees will be formed in every Assembly constituency to ensure that peace initiatives are implemented at the grassroots level. A Defence statement said that 23,000 civilians from all communities have been rescued so far and were moved to military garrisons.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, after chairing an all-party meeting over the prevailing situation in the violence-hit State, said, "During the meeting, it was resolved to appeal for peace in the State, and encourage all citizens to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence or instability."
The meeting was attended by representatives of various political parties, including the Congress, CPI, JD(U), NPF, Shiv Sena, TMC, BSP, AAP, MPP, AIFB, MNDF, ABHKP, and former CM O Ibobi Singh. "It was further resolved to form a peace committee in every assembly constituency to ensure that peace initiatives are implemented at the grassroots level," he tweeted.On Sunday Union Minister Reddy stressed, “Please come forward to solve the issues in a peaceful manner.
The Indian Government is ready. You have seen the farmers' issue. When it was peaceful, we tried to convince them. As the issue was not resolved, we agreed to their demand, and those Bills (three farm laws) were withdrawn. So the Indian Government is not adamant.”
He stressed that people's welfare was the Government's main agenda and requested Manipur residents to understand this and come forward for talks. He assured them that the Government (State or Centre) will take care of those who suffered losses due to violence and lost lives in the clashes. Reddy said after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, during the last eight years discussions were held with several insurgent groups (in the Northeast), and peace prevailed in the region.He said Modi would order a comprehensive inquiry into the issue.