NNN | IMPHAL, JULY 31: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday appealed “armed groups to shun hostilities and come out for political solution”.
The Manipur Chief Minister made this appeal while paying last respects to the three Assam Rifles personnel who were killed in a militant attack at Khongtal village in Chandel district of Manipur on July 29. He attended a wreath laying ceremony organised in their honour at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal.
Speaking to media persons, the Manipur Chief Minister said that there is no place for violence in a democratic country like India. Strongly condemning the incident, the Chief Minister asserted that the Government would not remain as a silent spectator, and the perpetrators would be definitely hunted down.
Stating that the State Government would provide suitable assistance to the families of the “martyred Central forces personnel belonging to Manipur”, the Chief Minister said that the matter would be put up in the State Cabinet for discussion.
Responding to a query regarding casualties of COVID-19 patients, the Chief Minister said that all the persons who had died so far had pre-existing ailments. “As such, it was hard to save their lives”, he informed. “However, the Government has been trying its best to save every single life”, the Chief Minister added.
Earlier, N. Biren Singh led others in laying wreaths and paying last respects to the deceased Assam Rifles personnel. MLA L. Sushindro, Manipur police chief L.M. Khaute, other high ranking civil, military and police officers and family members also attended the ceremony.
Later, the Chief Minister met the family members of Ratan Salam, who was one of the three slain Assam Rifles soldiers, and expressed his deep condolences.
