IT News
Imphal, Aug 1:
During today’s budget discussion in the state assembly, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh addressed the recent police action against Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which resulted in injuries to many IDPs and a member of the press.
“The state’s economy and the incidents that happened today in the heart of Imphal are related,” said CM N. Biren Singh.
CM Biren Singh criticized the Congress campaign, which promises the immediate return of IDPs to their homes, stating it has stirred up emotions. “Congress promised that they would be immediately rehabilitated at their old places,” he said. “There is a violent conflict going on; it will take time. Now, violence is not there anymore. We are working towards peace and security first.” Referring to the Naga-Kuki conflict, he noted that they did not enter each other’s territories.
Narrating the side of the Manipur Police, he stated, “The protesters are kicking police, pelting stones—police are also humans. They have to defend themselves as they were being chased by the people. But it was reported that police have attacked the protesters using tear gas.”
He urged all MLAs to help manage the numerous relief camps properly, noting that many IDPs are being influenced by political agendas. “The IDPs also understand all the limitations. The conflict is not between us. This sort of turn is due to the influence of others. We cannot influence these people in this direction,” CM Biren stated.
CM Biren Singh also clarified that houses are being built, and provisions are in place for those who want to return. “Many people have returned, but for those areas sensitive from a security point of view, such as Churachandpur and Moreh, we are trying.”
He further stated, “We are making efforts. Today, there is a meeting going on at Silchar. Even if 45-50 of us decide that the IDPs should return, will it be possible for them to return? We have made a lot of efforts.”
Regarding the rehabilitation of the IDPs, he mentioned that “Rs. 5 lakhs each for building kaccha houses, Rs. 7 lakhs for semi-pucca houses, and Rs. 10 lakhs for pucca houses have been sanctioned.”
The Chief Minister highlighted that compensations have been given to those who cannot farm due to the conflict and that more areas are now available for cultivation as security forces have expanded their reach. “State security forces are being stationed at more than 160 locations. They are not in Imphal. So, we should not be emotional.”
“As leaders and elected members, we have to console the IDPs. We should not be emotional. If emotions are stirred up, then such incidents will happen,” he stated.
He urged the MLAs and the people to avoid being emotional and politicizing the issue.
