Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh slams anti-peace elements

Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday expressed suspicion of a conspiracy of anti-peace elements behind the recent bomb attack that killed two sleeping kids in Bishnupur’s Tronglaobi village.
Singh also reiterated his assurance to nab those responsible for the tragic incident that not only shocked the entire community but triggered fresh tension. On April 7 last, an RPG attack in Tronglaobi village resulted in the deaths of two children – five-year-old Tomthin Oinam and his infant sister – and injured their mother grievously.
The attack, suspected to be carried out Kuki militants from nearby hills, caused widespread outrage, massive protests, and calls for justice.
Amid widespread protest demanding for justice and accountability of the tragic incident that followed by death of three protesters in firing by the CRPF personnel, the chief minister has been calling for calm while assuring nabbing the perpetrators for the end of justice.
Addressing the inauguration of five infrastructure projects at Langthabal in Imphal West district today, Singh lamented that the unfortunate incident occurred despite his government’s sincere efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in the state.
He said that since he assumed office as chief minister of the state two months and 20 days ago, he has been engaged with MLAs, officials and people from different communities to work together for fostering peace.
Besides, he has been visiting hills and valley areas, including Jiribam, Senapati, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts to address people’s grievances.
From the visits, the chief minister asserted, he came to realize that people across communities have a strong desire for restoration of peace.
However, the unfortunate incidents that happened in the last few weeks derailed the peace process, he said, while reiterating his assurance to identify and book the culprits soon.
Reiterating that peace is the foremost option for development, the chief minister urged people to stand united towards achieving peace in the state and appealed to the public to maintain harmony and be cautious of disruptive elements to create division.
Singh said developmental work will continue across all regions, including far-off areas, despite the challenges, while calling for cooperation between the public and the government to build a peaceful and progressive Manipur.
Attending the event, deputy chief minister Losii Dikho commended the chief minister for his active outreach across the state, including visits to remote areas like Jiribam, Senapati and Ukhrul.
He said that the chief minister has taken a unique approach by personally meeting people from different communities and listening to their concerns.
He added that even people living far from Imphal have appreciated these visits and expressed confidence in the leadership.
He urged civil society groups and the public to work together to maintain peace and harmony.
He said, “Hatred and division will only harm the state and delay progress,” while stressing that “if people truly desire peace, it is achievable through unity and coordination between the government and the public.”
Apart from local BJP MLA Karam Shyam Singh, the event was attended by senior officials including Imphal West deputy commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, officials of the public health engineering department, district administration, civil society groups and local residents, among others.