IT News
Imphal, Dec 31:
As violence continues to disrupt life in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep regret on Monday over the unrest that has gripped the state since May 2023. He called for calm, unity, and a fresh start in 2025, urging the people to move beyond past grievances.
“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret, and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I really feel regret,” Singh said, as reported by ANI.
The Chief Minister extended his apologies and expressed hope for peace. “After seeing the last 3-4 months’ progress towards peace, I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state,” he said.
Biren Singh also made an emotional appeal to all communities in the state to live together harmoniously. “Whatever happened has happened. We now have to forget past mistakes and start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur—we should all live together,” he added.
The number of firing incidents has decreased significantly since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023. While 408 incidents were recorded between May-October 2023, there were 345 cases from November 2023 to April 2024, and 112 incidents from May 2024 to date. Roughly 200 people have died, 12,247 FIRs have been registered, and 625 individuals have been arrested. Authorities have retrieved 5,600 arms, including explosives, and around 35,000 rounds of ammunition. The central government has provided sufficient security personnel and funds to aid displaced families and construct new housing for them.
Despite the progress, sporadic violence continues to erupt in the state. On Saturday, fresh clashes in Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi villages of Imphal East district left several civilians and security personnel injured in a gunfight with armed groups.
The ongoing violence stems from ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023. The rally opposed a directive from the Manipur High Court to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
The Chief Minister also outlined his government’s key achievements and plans for 2025 during a press meet at the Secretariat. In the presence of ministers and MLAs, Singh detailed measures aimed at restoring peace and promoting development.
A 7% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees will take effect in January 2025, raising the DA to 39%. The Chief Minister Hakshel gi Tengbang (CMHT) scheme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been extended for another year. A new “Teachers’ Achievement Award” will reward outstanding educators with double increments twice a year. Starting January 2025, newborns in three districts will be linked to their mothers’ Aadhaar. Updates will be required every five years to address demographic concerns.
Flight services will be launched in collaboration with Alliance Air on routes connecting Imphal with Guwahati, Kolkata, and Dimapur. Fares will be capped at Rs. 5,000, with any excess borne by the state government. Key projects include the completion of a Mini Secretariat by January 2025, a 7-story residential complex worth Rs. 62 crore at Langol, and a ropeway at Marjing, expected to be operational by February 2025. The government has procured 40 bulletproof vehicles, 10 Casper vehicles, MMG, and sniper rifles. Police personnel will receive advanced commando training. An additional 17 security companies have been deployed on NH-2 and 18 on NH-37 to enhance safety. Of 6,000 looted arms, 3,112 have been recovered along with 2,551 explosives.
Out of 3,000 prefabricated housing units, 2,660 are completed, 2,520 are occupied, and 340 are under construction.
