Manipur Plans 36-Community Peace Panel; Cong Demands CM’s Exit
Manipur CM Y. Khemchand Singh proposes a peace panel representing 36 communities, while the Congress demands his resignation and fresh elections.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has announced plans to constitute a committee comprising representatives of all 36 communities in the violence-hit state to promote peace, harmony and inclusive development, even as the Congress on Sunday demanded his resignation, dissolution of the Assembly and fresh elections over the continuing unrest.
Singh said the proposal followed a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether such a committee existed to bring the state's communities together.
Addressing a gathering of tribal chiefs at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Imphal on Saturday, Singh said the government would initiate consultations to form the panel.
The event followed the inauguration of the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs' Guest House at Palace Compound as part of the Mera Hou Chongba Festival, which celebrates unity and brotherhood among Manipur's communities.
Recalling the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years' Devastation, the Chief Minister said all communities had contributed to protecting the state's land, identity and heritage.
He expressed happiness that people from the hill districts, including some who had earlier been reluctant to visit Imphal, had participated in this year's celebrations.
Singh described the newly inaugurated guest house as a symbol of brotherhood between the hills and the valley.
Meanwhile, Congress MP and Manipur in-charge Saptagiri Ulaka demanded the Chief Minister's immediate resignation, dissolution of the Assembly and fresh polls, alleging that the BJP government had failed to contain the violence.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Ulaka sought immediate protection for civilians belonging to all communities and time-bound investigations into incidents of killings, firing, arson and destruction of property.
He also demanded restoration of free movement and a credible roadmap for peace, rehabilitation and the safe return of displaced people.
Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba alleged that the state government had failed to stop the violence or ensure punishment for those responsible.