Imphal, May 25: Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday said the state government remains committed to strengthening the police force to maintain peace and law and order in violence-affected Manipur, while appealing to the public to avoid violent forms of protest.
Speaking at a programme organised to flag off 477 newly inducted vehicles for the Manipur Police, the chief minister said restoring normalcy in the state would not be possible without a capable and efficient police force.
“Manipur Police personnel took a big responsibility in controlling and preventing the violence in the state and even sacrificed their lives. Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and all other security agencies also took equal responsibility in maintaining the law and order situation following the unfortunate violence in the state,” Singh said.
Manipur has witnessed ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 2023, resulting in more than 260 deaths and large-scale displacement.
The chief minister stated that the government was committed to providing maximum support to enhance the strength and operational capability of the police force.
Referring to recent incidents linked to public unrest, Singh urged citizens not to resort to violent methods during demonstrations and agitations.
“During an agitation following the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, there had been instances when certain youths had targeted security forces, instead of pursuing peaceful rallies and engaging in talks,” he said.
Later, in a social media post, the chief minister described the induction of the new vehicles as a historic step for the state.
The vehicles were flagged off at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in the presence of Govindas Konthoujam, legislators and senior police officials under the police modernisation programme.
Singh said the addition of the vehicles would improve police mobility, strengthen operational efficiency and enhance public service delivery across the state.
“The Government of Manipur remains firmly committed to equipping the police force with modern resources and infrastructure to ensure effective policing, public safety, and the maintenance of law and order,” he added.
