Situation we are facing in Manipur is unprecedented: Assam Rifles DG

 SHILLONG: Unlike in the past, Manipur is witnessing an 'unprecedented' situation currently due to the ethnic clashes owing to the fact that both communities have a large number of weapons, putting the state in a spot like never before, a senior official in the Assam Rifles has said.

The Director General of the Assam Rifles, Lt. General PC Nair, while talking to the media, said that there is a need for the people of the state to realise that the only way forward is peace.

"The situation that we are facing in Manipur is unprecedented. We have never faced anything of this kind. Something similar happened in the early 90s when the Nagas and Kukis fought, and then within the Kuki groups there was also a fight in the late 90s. Today, the biggest challenge is the large number of weapons that are out in both communities. Related to this are the minds of both communities. Today, there's so much against each other; it's so corrupted. This needs to be stalled," the DG said, adding, "There is a need for realisation to come for the people that the only way forward is peace..."

He further appealed to the people to 'move forward' to ensure the 'socioeconomic progress' of the state. "Let's get back there because, as you move forward, that is the only way to ensure your socioeconomic progress..," he added. The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire state for over four months now, forcing the central government to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to the violence. (ANI)

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