IMPHAL: A delegation of Tangkhul Naga villagers from Sinakeithei in Ukhrul district on Tuesday met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and urged the State Government to strengthen security measures in the area amid the prevailing situation in Manipur, said a press release issued by Chief Minister Secretariate.
The delegation from the Sinakeithei Village Authority, accompanied by Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), called on the Chief Minister at his official bungalow in Imphal.
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During the meeting, the villagers sought deployment of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel in Sinakeithei village and demanded adequate manpower at the Sinakeithei police station. They also urged the Government to ensure proper functioning of the existing Sub-Divisional Collector (SDC) office in the area.
The delegation told the Chief Minister that repeated attacks by armed men in recent times had created fear and insecurity among residents. They appealed for enhanced security arrangements, including protection along the road between Mahadev and Sinakeithei village.
The villagers, the release said, also sought humanitarian relief, essential commodities, improved healthcare facilities and development works in the area.
Responding to the concerns raised by the delegation, the Chief Minister stressed the need for disarming illegal firearms across the State and said peace remained the only solution to the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
He appealed to leaders of all communities to encourage youths to stay away from violence and work towards peace and reconciliation.
The Chief Minister also informed the delegation that the Government was focusing on generating employment opportunities for youths through skill development programmes in the non-government sector.
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The villagers expressed appreciation to the Government for deploying two companies of BSF personnel in the Sinakeithei area. They also thanked the Government for the construction of the inter-village road connecting Sinakeithei with Ukhrul headquarters and for sanctioning a Bailey bridge over the Ihang river.
According to the press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s official bungalow in Imphal.