Manipur CM Alleges 'Vested Interests' Trying to Derail Peace Efforts

Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Saturday alleged that vested interests were attempting to sabotage the government's efforts to restore peace in the ethnic violence-hit state, asserting that his administration remained committed to rebuilding trust among communities despite recent setbacks.

Addressing a BJP Mandal-level political workers' conference in Lilong constituency of Thoubal district, Singh said his highest priority after assuming office was to reunite the people of Manipur following nearly three years of ethnic unrest.

Highlighting his outreach initiatives, the Chief Minister said he had twice visited Jiribam district , which borders Assam, where he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in relief camps and interacted with families of victims from both the Meitei and Hmar communities.

During his second visit by road, Singh said he also met members of the Kuki, Hmar, Paite, Meitei, Meitei Muslim, and Rongmei Naga communities. He noted that these communities were now living peacefully alongside one another in Jiribam, describing it as an encouraging sign that reconciliation was possible.

However, Singh said the peace process suffered a setback after the recent bomb blast in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district , which claimed the lives of two children . He alleged that certain groups were deliberately trying to obstruct the government's efforts to restore normalcy.

"Such ill-intentioned people cannot continue to disrupt the lives of common citizens indefinitely. Honesty and sincerity will ultimately prevail. God will not forgive them," he said. Responding to concerns raised by supporters over his visits to violence-prone areas, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his determination to continue engaging with people across the state despite the risks, saying his mission to restore peace would remain unchanged.

Singh also paid tribute to former Manipur Chief Minister Mohammed Alimuddin , recalling his dedication to public service and leadership. In a separate social media post later in the day, Singh said the BJP's strength lies in its committed grassroots workers and expressed confidence that the conference would further strengthen the party's organisational base.