Imphal: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday expressed concern over the violent situation in Manipur and appealed to the people there to give up arms for peace and a permanent solution. He said this at the North East Students Festival, which was organized by My Home India. On this occasion, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented development is taking place in the northeastern states, and the people there are getting new possibilities.

The solution will come only through dialogue.

Appealing for peace between the Kuki and Meitei communities of Manipur, Rijiju said, "I request my Kuki and Meitei brothers and sisters that the Government of India is ready to make every possible effort. He further said that for this, first of all, you will have to give up arms. If you keep taking up arms, then no solution can be found. Only dialogue will lead to a solution. No matter what the situation, there should be no fighting among you. Unless you communicate with each other, peace will not be possible."

There is only one solution to bring peace back to the state

Along with this, Rijiju emphasized on the development that has taken place in the Northeast states in the last 10 years. He said, "This is an important occasion for all of us. At this time, the people of Manipur should give up arms and adopt the path of dialogue for permanent peace. This is the only solution through which peace can return to the state."

What is the reason for violence?

Talking about the ethnic violence that has been going on in Manipur since last year, he said that violence started in the state in May 2023. During this time, a tribal solidarity march was organized in protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community. After this, violence erupted in the state, in which more than 200 people have been killed so far. At the same time, the dead include people of the Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as security personnel who have also lost their lives. Thousands of people have become homeless due to the violence and an atmosphere of instability prevails in the state.