In a crucial address to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister N Biren Singh defended his government’s decision to evacuate residents from violence-ridden areas such as Churachandpur, Moreh, and Imphal Valley. Singh clarified that these actions were taken as a necessary measure to safeguard lives during the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.
Facing inquiries from opposition members, Singh detailed the challenging circumstances under which the government operated during the outbreak of violence. He described sleepless nights spent in his office, carefully weighing the best course of action as the situation rapidly deteriorated. Initially, residents from Moreh were provided shelter at an Assam Rifles camp, while those in Churachandpur were housed within the state’s Secretariat. However, the growing danger and urgent appeals from the affected individuals led to the decision to relocate them to safer areas, including the Imphal Valley.
Addressing the criticism that has emerged around the relocation efforts, particularly regarding the movement of people between the Imphal Valley and other regions, Singh defended the decisions as life-saving. He argued that without such evacuations, the situation could have escalated further, potentially leading to more violence and loss of life. The Chief Minister emphasized that, even in the face of large, hostile crowds, the government prioritized evacuations over the use of force, avoiding indiscriminate firing and focusing on preserving life.
Singh also warned of ongoing attempts to destabilize the peace process, pointing to recent incidents of arson in Jiribam that occurred shortly after new peace initiatives were announced. Despite these challenges, he highlighted positive developments, such as the return of 133 individuals who had fled Jiribam, and assured that efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of other displaced persons.
The ethnic violence, which started in May last year between the Meitei community based in Imphal Valley and the Kuki community in the surrounding hills, has resulted in over 200 deaths and displaced thousands. Despite the difficulties, Singh expressed cautious optimism, noting that the region is beginning to show signs of peace and reconciliation.