Ibobi Singh Calls for End to Culture of Violence in Manipur, Says Killing Has Never Solved Anything

Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday urged all communities to collectively dismantle the entrenched culture of violence in the state, warning that continued reliance on bloodshed will leave Manipur with “no future, no hope and no progress.”

Speaking at the 31st death anniversary observance of late Congress leader and former minister Moirangthem Ibotombi Singh in Heirok Part-II, Thoubal district, the three-time chief minister stressed that bringing an end to the cycle of violence — which has plagued the state for over two and a half years — is the shared responsibility of every citizen.

“Everyone must strive for harmony so that we can build a safe and prosperous society,” Ibobi said. He pointed out that history both in Manipur and across the world has repeatedly shown that violence has never delivered any positive outcome for society.

The Congress veteran emphasised that lasting peace is achievable only through dialogue, not guns. “Killing one another is not part of human nature. If every individual, regardless of community, commits to resolving differences peacefully, Manipur can truly become a peaceful state,” he added.

The annual memorial event was organised by the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Charitable Trust at the Moirangthem Ibotombi Memorial Complex. Former minister Moirangthem Ibotombi Singh was assassinated at his residence on December 7, 1994.

It may be mentioned that the Manipur violence resulted in the death of over 200 people and displaced nearly 60000 people in two years.

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