“Peace in Manipur underway” CM Manipur in Silchar; Meitei associations demonstrate against him

On December 17th, the All Assam Manipuri Youths’ Association (AAMYA) orchestrated the Manipuri Unity Convention 2023 in Silchar. The event boasted the esteemed presence of Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, signifying a united front to tackle persisting regional challenges.

Concurrently, adjacent to the Khudiram Bose statue, members of the Meitei community peacefully staged a protest, advocating for the incorporation of NRC in Manipur while echoing the urgent call for restored tranquility within the state.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took center stage before the media, illuminating the plight of individuals seeking refuge from Myanmar. He stressed the nuance of their categorization as refugees, citing his government’s provision of humanitarian aid, including food and shelter. An estimated 6,000 people have sought sanctuary in Manipur, with expectations of further influx.

Singh extended gratitude for the seamless coordination between Manipur and Assam, underscoring the imperative of mutual respect among Chief Ministers across states. He emphasized the significance of seeking prior consent before delving into matters of another state, citing his consultation with Assam’s CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma, preceding his visit.

Touching upon the fervent demand to confer OBC category status to the Manipuri community, Chief Minister Singh acknowledged this longstanding plea. He affirmed persistent endeavors to address this concern, citing dialogues held with Assam’s CM aimed at fostering opportunities for Manipuri residents in Assam.

On the other hand, the Meitei Manipuri associations in Silchar held a protest demonstration. They questioned the role of CM Biren Singh and urged the Government of Manipur to invest in initiatives like the NRC among other measures.

In response to queries regarding the restoration of peace in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted promising advancements in ongoing discussions between conflicting communities. He reported nearing completion of property reconstruction and concerted efforts to facilitate the relocation of those displaced by the conflict. Singh emphasized the encouraging strides taken toward peace restoration and regional recovery.