Vested interests trying to derail Manipur peace efforts: CM Y Khemchand Singh

Y. Khemchand Singh alleged that vested interests were obstructing efforts to restore peace in violence-hit Manipur. Reaffirming his commitment to reconciliation, he said the government would continue outreach initiatives despite challenges and recent setbacks to the peace process

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Saturday alleged that vested interests were attempting to derail the government’s efforts to restore peace in the ethnic violence-hit state. Addressing a one-day BJP Mandal-level political workers’ conference in Lilong constituency of Thoubal district, Singh said his foremost priority after assuming office was to reunite the people of Manipur after nearly three years of ethnic strife.

The CM said he had twice visited Jiribam district, bordering Assam, where he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered at various relief camps and interacted with families of victims from both the Meitei and Hmar communities, according to an official statement.

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During his second visit by road, Singh said he met members of the Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Meitei, Meitei Muslim and Rongmei Naga communities, and noted that people from these communities were now living peacefully alongside one another in the district.

However, he said the peace process suffered a setback following the recent bomb blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, in which two children were killed.

He alleged that certain vested interests did not want peace to return to the state and were trying to obstruct the government’s initiatives.
“Such ill-intentioned people cannot continue to disrupt the lives of common citizens indefinitely. Honesty and sincerity will ultimately prevail. God will not forgive them,” he said.

Referring to concerns expressed by supporters over his visits to sensitive and violence-prone areas, Singh said he remained committed to restoring peace and normalcy despite the risks.

“Every person is born and is destined to die one day,” he said, reaffirming his resolve to continue outreach efforts across the state. Singh also paid tribute to former Manipur chief minister Mohammed Alimuddin, who represented the Lilong Assembly constituency, praising his courage, determination and commitment to the people.

Later, in a social media post, Singh said the BJP’s strength lay in its committed grassroots workers and expressed confidence that the conference would further strengthen the organisation.