Himanta Biswa Sarma rules out Manipur violence impact on Northeast

Manipur (Assam): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has downplayed worries regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur and its potential effects on neighboring Northeastern states, especially Assam. He likely emphasized that the situation is under control and that the state’s stability remains intact despite the unrest in Manipur. Sarma might have reassured the public by highlighting the measures being taken to maintain peace and order in Assam and ensuring that the security forces are vigilant to prevent any spillover of violence. His statements are part of efforts to calm fears and maintain confidence in the government’s ability to manage regional stability.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said “We are emotionally one, culturally one but boundary wise different,” he added.

Speaking at the International Tourism Mart currently underway in Kaziranga, on November 27, CM Sarma stated that each state in the region has its own identity. He drew a comparison, saying, “Is an event in Rajasthan a setback for Haryana? While we share a cultural bond, we are individual states.”

CM Sarma further clarified that incidents in Manipur, which is around 500 kilometers away from Assam, should not be linked to events occurring in Assam or other Northeastern states.

“To link an incident in Manipur with Kaziranga or Manas is unfair. It only leads to frustration,” he said.

He emphasised that while the states are emotionally and culturally connected, they are geographically distinct.

It may be pertinent to mention here that tension and chaos in violence-hit Manipur have escalated over the past few weeks.

Recently, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told reporters that security forces are conducting combing operations in Jiribam areas to arrest the culprits involved in the heinous and terrorist act of killing many including women and children.

Two companies of CRPF were rushed to Jiribam immediately in the aftermath of the recent spate of violence and another five companies were rushed recently, the Chief Minister said adding that search and combing operation will continue until the culprits are arrested and booked under the law.