IMPHAL, Feb 1: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to fencing the borders, identifying new immigrants, and eradicating drugs from the state. Addressing a public interaction programme at Kumbi in Bishnupur district on Saturday, Singh emphasized that the government is resolute in ensuring no further disturbances to future generations.

“We remain steadfast in our objective to fence the border, identify new immigrants, regulate the entry of foreigners with issuing of passes, and completely eradicate drugs from the state. This is a promise of BJP and the state government, and we will not stop until these are achieved,” Singh said.

The chief minister also expressed confidence that only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could safeguard the interests of Manipur and its indigenous people. He criticized opposition parties for failing to protect the state and its people, asserting that the BJP was the only party to fulfill the long-standing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In terms of addressing the ongoing conflict and displacement in the state, Singh mentioned that internally displaced persons would only be allowed to return to secure areas after careful assessment. “We have allowed around 2,000 displaced people to return after their areas were identified as safe and secure, and the remaining displaced individuals will be allowed to return after detailed observation,” Singh explained, adding that over 500 displaced persons have already been provided employment.

The chief minister described the recent conflict as a result of armed groups attacking innocent civilians, engaging in arson, and forcing people to flee their homes. He stressed that the government’s duty was to ensure that those displaced return to their homes. Singh also clarified that if the government had initiated the conflict, it could have declared the end of the situation, but that was not the case.

Highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel, Singh acknowledged the deaths of several members of the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and police, who had been protecting the public from attacks by groups seeking to divide the state. “These enemies are the armed men who want to break the state into two. We are trying to end this conflict. Meanwhile, security is being provided with the assistance of the Centre, and by God’s grace, there has been relative peace for the last four to five months,” Singh added.