In a major setback to the peace efforts of the governments, an influential tribal organization — Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), which has been demanding imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, on Monday, rejected any offer of dialogue with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh or his government.
The ITLF spokesman Ginza Vualzong said that the Chief Minister’s intention of reaching out to stakeholders following a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah comes too late after the loss of so many innocent lives and properties and the untold hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo tribals, there is no point in talking about peace without a political solution.
He said that around 106 tribals have been killed, 201 villages burnt, over 5,000 houses burnt, and 355 churches destroyed, while 41,425 tribals have been displaced by the conflict.
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“We have reached a point where the Kuki-Zo community can no longer live together with the Meiteis. N. Biren Singh, the perpetrator of the current ethnic violence whose hatred for the Kuki-Zo community resulted in the genocide of the Kuki-Zo community, cannot be the harbinger of peace,” Vualzong told the media.
Returning from New Delhi, where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the prevailing situation in the state, Singh on Sunday evening said that efforts to restore peace would be further intensified involving all.
“Restoration of peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state is the first priority of both the Central and state governments.
In the peace process, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) of all communities, leaders of churches, varied communities, and other concerned stakeholders would be involved. No stone would be unturned to restore peace and normalcy at the earliest,” he told the media in Imphal.
Biren Singh, who holds the home portfolio, said that the security forces have given maximum efforts in 47 vulnerable areas in different districts.
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