CPI leaders call for dialogue to restore peace in Manipur

IMPHAL — The general secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and former MP, D Raja, today suggested initiating dialogue to restore peace and normalcy in violence-affected Manipur.

Addressing a press conference here prior to their departure after concluding their visit to the state, Raja said dialogue should be with all stakeholders, representatives of all communities and all sections of people. He added that political parties must put their heads together.

Raja led a 5-member party delegation on a four-day visit to Manipur on August 21 as part of peacebuilding. The other members are Binoy Viswam, MP and CPI national secretary; K Narayana, CPI national secretary; Rama Krushna Panda, CPI national secretary; and Asomi Gogoi, senior CPI leader from Assam.

Congratulating all the scientists, engineers and the workforce of ISRO for the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon, he said, “Today I came to know two Meiteis (Manipuri) are also there (in the mission). So Manipur contributes to the achievement of the country as a whole.”

He added that Manipur plays an important role in building the image of the country at the international level.

“But when Manipur is in crisis, the government’s attitude has been proved to be disastrous and they do not care for Manipur as they should have. They think Manipur can be used for election campaigns,” he alleged.

In such a situation, our party delegation has come here. We interacted with all sections, he added.

Since their arrival here on Monday, the CPI delegation visited the relief camps and interacted with inmates apart from meeting others.

On Wednesday, the delegation called on Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey to apprise her of the ground reality in the state after attending the 75th Foundation Day meeting of the party in Imphal.

Manipur has been witnessing violence between Kuki and Meitei communities since the first week of May in which more than 150 people were killed and nearly 50,000 people were displaced besides burning a number of villages and localities.

Also read: CPI delegation calls on Manipur Governor