Imphal, 1 August (HS): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that his government is working to restore peace. While answering questions of Opposition members during the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that the ground for peace talks with various factions of Manipur has been prepared. In this regard, several meetings have been held in Silchar, Assam.

Chief Minister Singh said, We are making a lot of efforts for peace talks with the help of MLAs and other members. Several meetings have been held in Silchar. We will announce it soon.

Describing the ongoing violence as unexpected, he said that arrests and other strict measures in connection with the serious law and order situation in the state could have negative consequences. The Chief Minister said that some issues are being politicized, which is complicating the situation.

He said, There are some elements who are politicizing some issues, which cannot be handled immediately. I appeal to everyone not to get involved in such activities.

Responding to a question asked by Congress MLA Ranjit Singh about the violence continuing despite the presence of more than 38,000 forces in the state, Chief Minister Singh said, An inquiry is being conducted by a retired Supreme Court judge. The findings of the investigation will reveal the shortcomings due to which the violence is taking place. Responsibilities will be fixed based on the findings of the investigation.

Responding to a question by Congress MLA Suraj Kumar Okram, the Chief Minister said, So far 226 people have been killed in the violence. Due to mob-like situation, there has been a delay in arresting the culprits in some cases. There have also been many cases of security forces being obstructed by groups.

The Chief Minister said that the situation in the state can be handled only through dialogue. The government is talking to all the stakeholders which will yield positive results.

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash / Manoj Kumar Tayal