PM Narendra Modi (File – ANI)
NEW DELHI: Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to visit Manipur next week, to meet all legislators of the state and work towards a resolution of the ongoing ethnic conflict.The Khundrakpam constituency legislator said the government must ensure safe passage for all communities through the Kangpokpi section of national highway 2, reported news agency PTI.“The authorities must arrest those who openly declared that no Meiteis would be allowed to go through the national highway,” he told reporters.Lokeshwar also stressed that Kuki-Zo people should be allowed access to areas of the highway where Meiteis are in majority. His comments come after several Kuki groups, including the village volunteers coordinating committee, announced that Meiteis would not be permitted to enter Kuki areas.Calling for PM Modi to expand his itinerary, Lokeshwar said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi must ensure a solution to the crisis in the state during his visit. He must meet all the 59 MLAs and chalk out a plan. He must bring a solution to the ethnic strife.” The Prime Minister is likely to visit Manipur on September 13 – his first trip to the state since violence broke out between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in May 2023. The Congress legislator added, “Modi should not limit his visit to two venues – Imphal and Churachandpur. He should visit all the violence-affected areas, including those in Imphal East, Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts.” More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since May 2023. Following the outbreak of violence, the centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly remains under suspended animation.
