Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking on September 13, 2023, appealed for peace โin Manipur, emphasizing the critical โคneed to safeguard the futureโ of โขthe state’s children. His address cameโ amidst ongoing ethnicโ violenceโฃ that hasโค gripped the region for overโข fourโฃ months, displacing tens of thousands and raising concernsโ about long-term stability.
The conflict,โ primarilyโ between the Meitei and Kuki communities,โ erupted onโ Mayโ 3, 2023, stemming from disagreements over affirmative action policies โคand land rights.The unrest โฃhas resulted in over 180 deaths and left more than 60,000 people displaced, creating a humanitarian crisis and prompting calls for intervention from โboth national and international bodies. Securing a peaceful resolution is paramount not only for restoringโ normalcy to Manipur but also for ensuring the educational and developmental opportunities of its younger generation, a point underscored by theโค Prime Minister’s remarks.”Weโ need to restore peace โฃin Manipur โคat โtheโฃ earliest,” Modi statedโ during a virtual interactionโ withโ state โofficials and representatives of civil society organizations. โขhe further added, “The future of the children of Manipur is our collective duty.”
The Prime Ministerโค highlighted the importance of dialog between communities and urged โall stakeholders to prioritize peace and reconciliation. He also assured โคthe state governmentโค of the Center’s continued support in resolving the crisis and providing assistance to those affected.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh,present during the interaction,briefed Modi on the steps taken by โthe โฃstate government to control the violence โand restoreโ normalcy. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution through dialogue โฃand negotiation.
The central โขgovernment โhas deployed securityโ forces โto maintain law and order in the state, and relief camps have been set upโฃ to provide shelter and essential suppliesโ to โคthe displaced. Though,โ sporadic incidents of โฃviolenceโค continueโฃ to be reported, hindering โฃefforts to restore peace and normalcy.The โPrime Minister’sโฃ appeal represents a renewed push forโฃ de-escalation โคand aโ return to constructive engagement among โall parties involved.