Roots of conflict run deep in Manipur: PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, said Manipur has an extensive history of social unrest, emphasizing that the roots of the conflict run deep. He told the nation that all possible measures are being taken to restore complete peace and stability in the state.
Taking note of an earlier conflict in the state in 1993 that continued for five years, Modi said there is a need to handle the situation with wisdom and patience.He invited all the like-minded people to help him in his efforts to ensure normalcy and peace in Manipur.
Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, Modi said, “Restoring peace and tranquility in the state is our mission. With close coordination of the central and state govt, we are undertaking peaceful negotiations and dialogue with all the stakeholders of both communities for an amicable and lasting solution.”
We must all rise above politics to restore normalcy in Manipur: PM
He said violence in Manipur is continuously declining and educational institutes along with businesses have opened in most parts of the state. "This means the hope for peace is a definite possibility in Manipur," he added.
The opposition has been critical of the PM's response, accusing him of ignoring the crisis-hit state. Responding to them, Modi said, "We must all rise above politics and cooperate towards normalising the situation there. I want to warn the elements trying to add fuel to fire in Manipur to stop such activities. A time will come when Manipur itself will reject such people."
Modi said more than 500 people have been arrested and over 11,000 FIRs have been registered in the state so far.
The PM highlighted that Manipur had been under President's rule 10 times in the past, which, he said Congress should not forget. "There must have been a reason. It didn't happen under our govt," he added
The PM also expressed concern about the worsening flood situation in Manipur. Informing the House that two companies of NDRF have been deployed for flood relief work, Modi said the Centre was closely working with the state govt in relief and rescue operations.
On Monday, Congress's Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam had expressed his disappointment over no mention of the ethnic violence-hit state in President Droupadi Murmu's address. The ethnic strife, which erupted in May last year, has claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people.
The PM on Wednesday ssaid the NE is fast becoming the gateway to the nation's progress. Highlighting the unprecedented growth of infrastructure in the region, he also expressed hope for a long-lasting impact of the efforts to ensure permanent peace in the NE as boundary disputes among the states are being addressed in a meaningful manner with consensus.