On Saturday, Manipur’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh emphasized the need for peace and normalcy to return to the state, acknowledging the current challenging circumstances and the efforts being made to address them with available resources.
Speaking to the press after the 133rd Manipur Police Raising Day, DGP Singh stated, “These are very challenging times, but we are working hard to manage the situation with the best strength we possess and with the cooperation of all, including security agencies.” He noted that there are ongoing issues, but they will be resolved soon, as restoring peace and normalcy is a priority. He highlighted that over the past year and a half, there have been improvements, with a decrease in violence, deaths, and injuries. While sporadic incidents of arson and gunfire persist, all security forces remain vigilant to prevent further escalation.
The DGP also remarked that several issues could have been better managed with more cooperation from the public. He urged communities from both sides to engage in discussions and offer suggestions. “The only solution to this problem is peaceful dialogue. We are a community-friendly police force, attentive to all concerns. There have been times when security forces have held back to prevent harm to innocent civilians. We also encourage the public to resume their normal activities instead of participating in protests,” he added.
On October 15, a group of elected representatives from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei, and Naga communities met to address the state’s current situation and urged the populace to renounce violence. This meeting was significant, as it marked the first direct discussions among these groups and underscored the Centre’s dedication to fostering dialogue between the divided communities. The Ministry of Home Affairs organized the talks in New Delhi, attended by senior officials, MLAs, and ministers from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei, and Naga communities.