Meghalaya CM Sangma called for normalcy during Manipur visit. Demanded cooperation from state and central governments to open NH-2 and control illegal drugs and weapons.
New Delhi: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma visited Manipur, calling for the restoration of normalcy in the state. He met various stakeholders, including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to discuss a resolution to the ongoing conflict. During his two-day visit, Chief Minister Sangma arrived in Imphal and also met with BM Yaima Shah, acting president of the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), and representatives of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
Sangma's Statement
At a press conference held in Imphal, Chief Minister Sangma stated, "I met the Governor of Manipur and discussed suggestions received from various organisations. We examined what steps the Manipur government and the Government of India can take to restore normalcy. The suggestions presented by the NPP were also welcomed." Sangma further added that both the state and central governments must work together to implement all these suggestions.
Demand to Open National Highway 2
COCOMI spokesperson Mayengbam Dhananjay stated that the organisation requested Chief Minister Sangma to open National Highway 2 (NH-2) and curb the illegal inter-state drug and arms trade. He added, "We also recommended to him the establishment of a Narcotics Control Bureau to open the highway and control these threats. This step will help restore safe and free movement in Manipur."
Blocked Highway in Manipur
The COCOMI spokesperson informed that National Highway 2 had been blocked for nearly two and a half years, preventing people from traveling through it. He stated that the growing incidents of illegal infiltration, along with the menace of illegal drugs and weapons, have challenged the safety of local citizens. Therefore, it is essential to take concrete steps to open the highway and ensure security.
Commencement of Safe Movement on NH-2
To restore safe and free movement in violence-affected Manipur, trial runs of passenger vehicles commenced on the Imphal-Senapati section of National Highway 2 on October 2. The security of these vehicles was ensured by the state police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). This step is considered a positive sign towards the gradual reopening of NH-2.
Tension Among Ethnic Communities
According to sources, no individuals from the conflicting Meitei and Kuki communities were aboard the trial vehicles. Nevertheless, this initiative is a significant effort to establish peace in the state and open the national highway for regular use. Experts believe this step will help strengthen social harmony and security arrangements in Manipur.
Control Over Illegal Weapons
Chief Minister Sangma and COCOMI emphasized the need to curb the illegal trade of drugs and weapons in Manipur. They stated that a dedicated Narcotics Control Bureau has been recommended for this purpose. This will not only ease the work of security forces but also ensure the safety of citizens and lasting peace in society.
