Imphal, Oct 24 (Waari Singbul Network): Affirming reports that has been doing the rounds recently that talks between the government and a valley-based armed group has been initiated in Imphal, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said “There is active engagement for negotiations with a particular group to bring them back to the mainstream.”

Replying to a query raised by reporters on the sidelines of a foundation stone laying ceremony at Imphal East district’s Andro, Biren stated that “It is still too early to divulge detail information to the public regarding the talk,” and added that there is steady progress.

Sources said that the rebel group which is likely to ink the peace deal with the government is a prominent one.

Earlier, during the Congress regime, some factions of a valley-based underground outfit had signed a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the state government and the Centre.

Acknowledging the sufferings experienced by the people of Manipur due to the prolonged violence, Biren emphasized that there is need to focus on developmental aspects taken up by the government in the state so that the conscience of the people does not get shadowed by violence all the time.

The CM pointed out that the government is diligently working on a resettlement program for the displaced victims and has appointed teams of MLAs to facilitate this process.

Further, the government is committed to helping rebuild the houses of the displaced victims according to their preferences, whether built by the government or privately, he added.

Maintaining that the resettlement process primarily remains in progress for areas such as Yaithibi Loukol, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi, Biren sought the support of the public for successful resettlement.

He said, in a bid to alleviate the plight of those in relief camps, the government has arranged for the provision of winter equipment and food to ensure that they do not face shortages during the cold season.

Additionally, he announced that the ‘controversial’ Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reformation Act has been rectified by the government, with plans to implement the rectified act in the near future.

Earlier, speaking during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the projects of Ima Market, a football ground with natural grass, and road improvements in and around Keithelmanbi, Tumukhong, and Moirangpurel in Andro assembly constituency, Biren sought the support of the public in maintaining the time-tested bonds of 34 different ethnic groups in Manipur to restore peace and secure the future of the state.

Addressing the gathering, the CM explained the root cause of the ongoing crisis, accompanied by projected videos. According to him, the root cause of the ongoing crisis is deeply rooted and did not start on May 3.

Biren attributed it to illegal immigrants and drug lords involved in mass poppy cultivation and forest destruction, on which the state government will never compromise.

Highlighting the NIA’s recognition of the crisis as a conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh-based militant groups to wage war against India, he mentioned that the Central government has a clear understanding of the situation in Manipur.

He also cited the Centre’s order to the state government to identify illegal immigrants soon after the crisis outbreak. The identification process has been extended for another year at the state government’s request, he added.

Biren further emphasized that the ongoing conflict is not only a ‘war’ but also an ‘environmental and ecological war’ and reaffirmed that both the state and central governments are facing it.

He contended that the present government is committed to saving Manipur and preserving its future, citing the implementation of ILPS, the efforts to lift AFSPA, and the initiatives to detect illegal immigrants and combat illicit drug-related activities.

Regarding the issue of Andro residents being denied SC certificates, which was raised by the sitting MLA Th Shyamkumar during the function, Biren assured that the state government would make every effort to ensure that the people of Andro receive SC certificates within two to three months.

He also gave assurances of various development projects in Andro AC, as reflected in the memoranda submitted to him during the function.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony for projects estimated to be around Rs 14 crores was also attended by PWD minister K Govindas, MLAs Th Arunkumar, Kh Ibomcha and Kh Loken, and Khulakpa ( village head) of Andro Sh Chandra as presidium members.

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