Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday requested all communities to participate in political discussions to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state. On the occasion of National Cleanliness Day, Singh said, “On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and National Cleanliness Day, I urge everyone to adopt the spirit of truth, non-violence and cleanliness to make the state clean.”
“Let us believe in non-violence and engage in political dialogue to resolve the crisis prevailing in the state,” he said. The Chief Minister and MLAs also paid floral tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Hall here. Speaking to reporters on the issue of the two missing youth, Singh said, “We are trying to rescue them.” We are confident that we will succeed.”
Singh had earlier said that the Director General of Police has been asked to ensure the release of two of the three youths who were allegedly abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district on September 27.
Security forces have already rescued one of them and he has been handed over to the police. Yesterday, a police official had said that on Friday, N Johnson Singh was going to New Keithelmanby area of Imphal West district for the SSC GD recruitment examination for the central forces.
N Johnson Singh was accompanied by two friends, but they lost their way and reached the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, where they were abducted by militants on Friday. Of the three friends living in Thoubal, however, Johnson Singh was later rescued by the Army.
Since May last year, more than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between the Meiteis, who live in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki people, who live in the surrounding hilly areas.
