How is the Centre Working to Restore Peace in Manipur?

Imphal, July 5 (NationPress) Senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh commended the central government on Saturday for its efforts in reinstating peace and normalcy in the conflict-stricken region of Manipur. He lauded the approach taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in tackling the ongoing crisis.

Singh, representing the Singjamei constituency in Imphal West, noted that security forces have been actively conducting search operations to recover illegal weapons and ammunition as part of the measures to restore stability. The 61-year-old MLA emphasized that the central government has implemented various strategies to address the ethnic conflict that began on May 3, 2023, which has now extended beyond two years.

“A key part of the peace restoration efforts involves security forces conducting operations to seize illicit arms,” stated the leader of the Meitei community.

He further mentioned that over the last month, a significant amount of weapons and ammunition has been confiscated from various locations in the valley districts, with a notable recovery occurring in the hill districts.

“These initiatives are vital for upholding law and order in the state and have fostered a sense of security among the residents,” the statement elaborated. Singh added that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs are engaging in constructive dialogues with leaders and representatives from diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs).

“These discussions have played a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Under the proficient leadership of Amit Shah, numerous initiatives have been introduced as preliminary steps toward resolving the ethnic conflict. His responsible approach to the crisis, which may require extensive time for resolution, is highly praiseworthy,” expressed the MLA, who also hopes that the challenges faced by the population due to the conflict will be recognized, and appropriate actions will be taken thoughtfully in the future.

Additionally, Singh acknowledged the commendable efforts of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, members of the Governor-in-Council, security forces, and relevant officials.

In a significant development, the joint security forces, consisting of both central and state agencies, recovered 203 firearms, primarily sophisticated, along with around 160 different types of ammunition from the four tumultuous hill districts — Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur — on Friday.

Similarly, during joint operations on June 13-14, security forces seized 328 firearms and approximately 9,300 types of ammunition from five districts in the Imphal valley — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

As of March 6, nearly 1,000 looted and illegally held weapons, including many advanced arms, along with a substantial cache of ammunition, have been returned to security forces since Governor Bhalla's initial appeal on February 20.