Manipur CM condemns attack on security forces in Bishnupur, vows to nab culprits

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday strongly condemned the militant attack on security forces in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two CRPF personnel and vowed to nab the culprits without delay.

In an interview with PTI Video, he said efforts to apprehend the culprits were underway and assured that they will be brought to justice.

Two CRPF personnel were killed and two others injured after militants attacked an IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in Moirang police station area in the early hours.

The deceased were identified as sub-inspector N Sarkar, a native of Assam's Kokrajhar district, and head constable Arup Saini of Bankura district in West Bengal.

Claiming restoration of peace of late in the strife-torn state, Singh highlighted the successful conduct of Lok Sabha elections, indicating increased confidence among people. He, however, lamented the targeting of security personnel who were deployed to protect the state's people.

"It's unfortunate that our soldiers and CRPF and Assam Rifles personnel are being targeted. They are here to protect our people," Singh said.

Dismissing Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's allegations of exerting pressure on voters, Singh asserted that the Election Commission takes action based on observer reports, not on the basis of social media posts.

"People participated enthusiastically in the election. Re-polling had to be conducted only in 11 polling stations", he said.

Ramesh on April 26 shared a video on X claiming that voters in Ukhrul district in Outer Manipur were being pressured to support the Naga People's Front, BJP's ally, instead of the Congress.

The Congress leader accused the security forces of not taking any action and lamented that such activities are taking place in one of "the most important elections of our lifetime".

Addressing the Meitei-Kuki struggle, Singh outlined government initiatives to restore peace, including the deployment of paramilitary forces, assistance for displaced persons, and reconciliation efforts through peace committees.

"The conflict should not have happened. The government took a lot of steps to contain the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spent three days in the state and talked to the communities. Steps have been taken for displaced people. The central government has provided help in every way," he said.

Responding to opposition criticism, Singh underscored the BJP government's commitment to reconciliation and unity in Manipur, contrasting it with past policies.

"This is not the first time such an incident happened in the state. Manipur was a monarchy, the British included it in India and they worked on the policy of divide and rule. When Congress came to power, they also promoted the British policy. Only after the BJP formed the government, we tried for reconciliation," Singh added.

On the issue of drug trafficking, Singh highlighted the government's 'War on Drugs' campaign initiated in 2018 that led to significant seizures and a reduction in poppy cultivation.

"The BJP government started the 'War on Drugs' and has recovered heroin, opium and other narcotics worth over Rs 60,000 crore over the last few years," he added.

Singh also asserted the necessity of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and inner line permit, emphasizing their role in safeguarding the interests of indigenous communities and maintaining security.

He also elaborated on the efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure development in Manipur, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Moreh highway and the Golden Quadrilateral project in promoting economic growth and development.