Gangtok, June 25: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, made a heartfelt appeal for an end to the prevailing gun culture in the violence-hit state of Manipur during an all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The meeting aimed to address the crisis in Manipur, and Chief Minister Tamang emphasized the importance of ceasefire and non-ceasefire groups alike renouncing the use of firearms.
Expressing his confidence in finding a resolute direction on this issue from the meeting under the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Tamang acknowledged that caste and community clashes have been a recurring problem in various parts of the Northeast region since India’s independence.
He emphasized the distinct cultures, languages, and identities of the communities in the region, which sometimes lead to ego clashes, conflicts of interest, and disputes over natural resources.
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Drawing attention to the past conflicts in Northeast India, Chief Minister Tamang recalled the prolonged conflicts in the Bodoland region of Assam in 2008 and 2012. These conflicts resulted in significant displacement, loss of lives, and extensive damage to property. He stressed that such unrest not only affects national integrity but also disrupts the age-old relationships of coexistence within a state or region.
Highlighting the role played by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Tamang commended their proactive and accommodating approach towards the aspirations of the ethnic communities in the region since 2014.
Acknowledging that restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur will take time, Chief Minister Tamang recognized the challenges of convincing people filled with disbelief, anger, and the pain of losing loved ones about the necessity of peace.
Referring to the saying, “It is only a spark that burns the old bushes, but the trees and animals do not know where the spark comes from,” he emphasized the need for people to either leave the area when a conflict arises or face its consequences, as has been witnessed in Manipur.
Chief Minister Tamang expressed his appreciation for Home Minister Amit Shah’s unprecedented visit to the conflict-ridden region, which demonstrated solidarity, shared the people’s pain, and organized security arrangements at the ground level. He stressed the importance of community reconciliation for healing and urged the affected communities to honor the Home Minister’s request to restore peace in the state.
Pledging solidarity on behalf of Sikkim and the entire Northeastern region, Chief Minister Tamang stood with the people of Manipur who have suffered immeasurable pain and loss. He appealed to the Central and State Governments to extend humanitarian support to the affected families.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s appeal for an end to the gun culture in Manipur reflects the urgency to restore peace and stability in the violence-hit state. With support from the Central and State Governments and the collective effort of the affected communities, it is hoped that Manipur can heal, rebuild, and regain its rightful place as a harmonious region where peace prevails.
