In a video message shared on Twitter, he said long-term grievances of communities will be suitably addressed in consultations with them and their representatives
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday blamed “prevailing misunderstandings between two sections of society” for the violence in the state during protests against the inclusion of the majority Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.
In a video message shared on Twitter, he said long-term grievances of communities will be suitably addressed in consultations with them and their representatives.
The opponents of the ST status to Meiteis, who account for around 53% of Manipur’s population and are concentrated in Imphal Valley, say it will deprive them of government jobs and admissions to educational institutions. Tribals make up about 40% of the state’s population and include the Nagas and Kukis.
Singh said vandalism and arson have been reported from Imphal, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh. He added lives have been lost and property has been damaged.
Singh, who did not specify the damages caused, said police and central forces have been deployed to maintain law and order and anyone indulging in violence would be dealt with strictly. He added additional central paramilitary forces have been requisitioned.
In a video message shared on Twitter, he said long-term grievances of communities will be suitably addressed in consultations with them and their representatives.
The opponents of the ST status to Meiteis, who account for around 53% of Manipur’s population and are concentrated in Imphal Valley, say it will deprive them of government jobs and admissions to educational institutions. Tribals make up about 40% of the state’s population and include the Nagas and Kukis.
Singh said vandalism and arson have been reported from Imphal, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh. He added lives have been lost and property has been damaged.
Singh, who did not specify the damages caused, said police and central forces have been deployed to maintain law and order and anyone indulging in violence would be dealt with strictly. He added additional central paramilitary forces have been requisitioned.
