Manipur situation improves, TS students to arrive today

GUWAHATI: After the Imphal Valley, the situation has started improving in the hills as well, with the state government on Sunday relaxing the curfew for two hours in Churachandpur, allowing people to buy essentials. The decision was taken after talks between the state government and stakeholders in Churachandpur.

Amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, Union minister for development of Northeast region G. Kishan Reddy asked the warring groups in Manipur to maintain peace and announced that the Centre was ready for talks to settle the issue.

The Indian Army, meanwhile, said that around 23,000 civilians from all communities had been rescued and were moved to military garrisons in violence-hit Manipur. Security sources said about 250 students belonging to Telangana, studying in various educational institutions in Imphal and surrounding areas, were identified and the government of Telangana has decided to immediately airlift the students from Imphal to Hyderabad. For this purpose, a special flight was arranged to bring the Telugu students back on Sunday.

Stating that the Centre was not adamant when it came to people's welfare, Reddy said it even withdrew the three farm laws when agriculturists demanded the repeal of the controversial legislation.

Life has started limping back to normal under the watchful eyes of Army drones and helicopters deployed for aerial reconnaissance as curfew was relaxed on Sunday in parts of Manipur.

Govt willing to have peace talks: Kishan

"Please come forward to solve the issue in a peaceful manner. The Indian government is ready. You have seen the farmers' issue. When it was peaceful, we tried to convince them. As the issue was not resolved, we agreed to their demands, and those bills (pertaining to farm laws) were withdrawn. So, the Indian government is not adamant," Reddy told reporters in Hyderabad.

He stressed that the people's welfare was the government's main focus and requested Manipur residents to understand this and come forward for talks. He assured them the government (state or Centre) would take care of those who suffered losses due to the violence and lost lives in the clashes.

Kishan Reddy said after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, discussions were held with several insurgent groups in the Northeast and peace prevailed in the region. He said Modi would order a comprehensive inquiry on the issue.

"If they have any problem, it is the responsibility of the state and Central governments to solve it. We all should observe restraint. We should solve the issue through discussions, but not through violence. Nothing can be achieved through violence. Violence is not the only way," he added.

Manipur governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey also appealed to the people in the state to maintain brotherhood and dispel the feeling of fear and insecurity.

The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has also called for peace and unity. In a statement, it said: "Let us strive for peace, unity, and understanding as we work towards a harmonious society where every individual is respected and valued. Together, we can overcome these divisive forces and build a future that is marked by compassion, justice, and inclusivity."

The GNF aaid that the violent riots that unfolded over the last few days targeting a particular community, along with looting, wanton destruction of property and burning of religious institutions, were clear violations of the principles of human decency and civilised behaviour.

Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday chaired a meeting with the representatives of the "Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity" (COCOMI) in the wake of the violence in the state.

The representatives of all political parties attended the meeting.