IMPHAL, September 26: The state government will investigate into the Phayeng alleged gun fight between AR personnel and suspected UGs killing two UG suspects, as there are reports that the one of the two killed was a UG surenderee, the Chief Minister told media persons today after a militant surrendering programme at the IGAR (S) Chardwar Hall.
The Chief Minister was replying to a query from media persons regarding claims from family members that one of the UG who was killed in the alleged encounter had surrendered before the Assam Rifles during a function in which the Chief Minister himself was present.
He further assured that the state authorities will investigate whether the family’s claim is true and if true than how he came out of his camp and reached the encounter spot.
Meanwhile, during today’s surrendering programme, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness that the militants were embracing mainstream society and further welcomed the 114 surrendering militants.
He further expressed that the officers and jawans of Assam Rifles and state Police force deserve commendation for this achievement.
He continued that the recent peace initiatives of the state government have produced fairly good results.
“It has been our conscious policy to engage maximum number of underground groups in peace talks. The extent of this engagement has expanded over the years.”
“We firmly believe that solution to any problem will come only through dialogue and peaceful means. Violence can never solve a problem.”
“As I have said before also, we are a democratic country which provides space for everybody. However there is a
section of people which doesn`t have faith in democratic processes and institutions. It`s really unfortunate.”
He further said, prolonged armed movement has not achieved anything concrete for the people and added that the state needs a plausible answer on how long it will continue.
The Chief Minister continued, “My government is trying to bring about some path breaking changes in Manipur. One of our priority sectors is `Power`”.
We have initiated a process of total change in the sector by initiating Public-Private partnership. Initial offers· have already been floated to invite capable and specialized private energy entities in Manipur, and already identified a number of potential and feasible locations of Hydro Project.
The aim is to invite non-government expertise and capital to harness the hydel potential of Manipur, he said.
“We have also started a comprehensive transmission and distribution reforms.”
But we must understand that all these efforts would be subject to prevailing situation in the state, he said.
The Chief Minister further continued that private entrepreneurs have always been avoiding Manipur due to our volatile and conflict situation.
In view of our recent initiatives in power sectors many private companies seem to be showing keen interest in Manipur and this has only encouraged us, he said.
“We hope that these reforms would continue and not get discouraged by the typical law and order problems of Manipur.”
Peace initiatives need to be carried forward. Only then we can expect change and economic development. People have realized this truth, he said.
“No wonders, over past many years we have witnessed a prolonged political stability and steady improvement in conflict situation in Manipur. However it is yet to reach a satisfactory level. The challenge is still tough.”
“Today`s surrender ceremony reflects the mindset of our youth. Their decision is wise. On the other hand we must fulfill our obligation. I assure all of them that we will make best efforts for their re-habilitation”, he said.
