Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of Manipur has pledged firm action following an ambush on his advance convoy team. Addressing the incident, CM Singh stated, “As a CM, I had to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the PM as it is my responsibility.”
Despite being away, Singh closely monitored developments in Manipur, particularly the Jiribam issue. He said, “I know there is an issue in Manipur, so I was monitoring the situation. I spoke via video conference with the people of Jiribam, and they seemed pleased. While other CMs stayed, I had to return promptly. I spoke with the people of Jiribam and assured them that I would make necessary arrangements. So, according to my convenience, I informed them that I would come there.”
Expressing disbelief over the ambush and the injury sustained by the driver, Singh noted that the attack was a direct assault on the state’s leadership. He emphasized that previous efforts for dialogue had been rebuffed, highlighting the need for decisive action to uphold the rule of law. “Our advance convoy team was ambushed, which I found hard to believe initially. Now, the driver has been shot and injured. Earlier, we did not retaliate much; we sought dialogue. But now they have attacked. They seem to believe that there is no state machinery. We are going to do what is necessary. This is a direct attack on the CM of Manipur. Now, we must enforce the rule of law. Previously, we were trying to find a middle path, but now the state must take decisive action,” CM Biren stated.
