Manipur CM calls upon people to rise together for peaceful coexistence

Imphal: Calling upon the indigenous people of this sensitive border state to rise together, and extend hands of peace and friendship, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, "Divisive forces have been given space to hold sway over our population, through instruments of threat and intimidation".

In a message sent on the eve of India's 78th Independence Day celebration, the CM said, "People have been made to believe that communities who have been living together for ages, can be divided at the will of a few vested interests."

"Our Independence Day has therefore become an occasion to remind ourselves of the need to free ourselves of such evil forces", the CM stated.

He added, "It is time we rise together, extend hands of peace and friendship, and be willing to listen with patience as equally as the urge to speak, in our efforts towards restoration of normalcy."

The CM acknowledged the shared history and common living space of indigenous communities in Manipur.

He expressed gratitude to those working towards a collective approach to overcome prevailing challenges and appealed for cooperation towards lasting peace and normalcy.