Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, April 21: Amid ongoing protests and shutdowns affecting normal life in parts of Manipur, chief minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday stressed that all issues can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.
Speaking at an event in Wangjing-Tentha in Thoubal district, where he inaugurated a new Block Development Office, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots governance and improve public service delivery.
While addressing the gathering, Singh noted that his recent visits to hill districts were conducted without resistance, but expressed surprise over protests in the valley region, particularly in Thoubal. He reiterated that meaningful solutions can only emerge through discussions and mutual understanding.
Referring to the April 7 incident in Bishnupur district, where two minor children were killed and their mother injured, the Chief Minister described the event as deeply tragic. He said the government has already held multiple rounds of talks with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the victims, along with State Home Minister K. Govindas Singh, and assured that their concerns would be addressed.
He also mentioned that the government is considering offering suitable government jobs to the victims’ parents as a humanitarian measure, clarifying that the move is intended as support rather than negotiation.
Expressing concern over the ongoing shutdown in the Imphal valley, Singh termed such actions disruptive, stating they create confusion and affect daily life. The five-day shutdown, called by the influential women’s group Meira Paibis along with other civil society organisations, has brought several districts to a standstill since April 18. Protesters have blocked roads, halted vehicular movement, and forced the closure of shops and businesses.
The protests are linked to the killing of two children and the injury of their mother, allegedly by suspected militants.
Meanwhile, normal life has also been disrupted in Naga-inhabited areas due to a separate three-day shutdown called by the United Naga Council. The protest, ongoing until April 23, is in response to the killing of two Naga civilians in Ukhrul district, reportedly by suspected militants.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as tensions persist across different regions of the state.