"Let’s forgive and forget": Manipur Chief Minister Appeals For Peace On Independence Day

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• Aug 15, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Three months after unrest erupted in Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh used the occasion of Independence Day to make a...

Digital Desk: Three months after unrest erupted in Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh used the occasion of Independence Day to make a fervent appeal for peace and a return to the road of development. He also blamed "forces from outside" for the state's ethnic violence and stated that the war against drugs would continue. 

"By forgiving and forgetting, we can live harmoniously and continue our journey on the path of development, which we have lost for the past three months," Singh said today as he hoisted the tricolour during the 77th Indian Independence Day celebrations in Imphal.

"Violence will not result in progress. If there was any misunderstanding and miscommunication among the communities, we can all sit across the table to look at all of the flaws. Our door is always open for this," he added.

The chief minister asserted that, as a member of the Indian Union and strictly following its constitutional obligations, his government has been working consistently for the welfare and upliftment of the state, both in the hills and valleys.

"However, some vested interests and forces from outside attempted to destabilize our peace-loving state and country," he stated. 

Singh stated that his government has never done and will never do anything that violates the Constitution. If it did, his government would not survive even for a moment, he said.

In an appeal to citizens to put an end to the violence, the chief minister stated that his government will continue its war against drugs and efforts to detect and detain all illegal immigrants as per constitutional provisions. 

"This should not be used to target any individual or group. If there is any misunderstanding or misinterpretation, we can discuss it together in order to bring peace and continue our development journey. We must continue to strive for inclusivity, justice, and equality for all citizens," Singh said.  

"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. 

Over 180 people have died and over 3,000 have been injured in the violence in Manipur, which began on May 3 with a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill areas to oppose the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. More than 60,000 people have been displaced, and property worth thousands of crores has been destroyed.