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Govt Open To Change In Agniveer Scheme If Needed: Rajnath

By LokMarg 28th March 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that his government is “open to change” in the Agniveer recruitment scheme if necessary.

Speaking at the Times Now Summit, the Union Minister also said that the government has ensured that the future of the Agniveers is secure.

Asserting that youthfulness is necessary in the defence forces, Singh also defended the scheme, and said, “Sena mein youthfulness honi chahiye. The youth, I feel, are more enthusiastic. They are more tech-savvy. We have taken proper care that their future is also secure. We will also make changes if there is a need.”

The recruits named Agniveers serve for a tenure of four years that includes training for six months followed by 3.5 years of deployment. After retirement from the service, they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces.

As announced, the ‘Agnipath’ or ‘Agniveer’ scheme is a process for recruiting soldiers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to be hired for a term of four years on contract.

Further, in a massive push to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the union minister said that the central government eyes wants to make India an exporter country for engines.

“I have asked DRDO to explore what kind of engines can be made in India and what countries are ready to transfer the technology, as we want to make engines in India now. We want to make India an exporter country for engines. Engines will be built in India and by the Indians,” he added.

On the opposition’s claim that China has occupied India’s land, Singh said that the borders of the country are completely safe.

“We should have complete faith in our army. I want to assure countrymen that our country and its borders are completely safe,” the Defence Minister added. (ANI)

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Vaccination For Girls To Prevent Cervical Cancer: Sitharaman

By LokMarg 1st February 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her interim budget speech on Thursday, said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer.

“Our government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer,” Sitharaman said while presenting the interim budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman emphasised the government’s plans to set up more medical colleges and said that the government aims to serve the people through improved healthcare services.

“Several youth are ambitious to get qualified as doctors. They aim to serve our people through improved healthcare services. Our government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. A committee for this purpose will be set up to examine the issues and make relevant recommendations,” she added.

The Finance Minister further said that the health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Noting that various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in implementation, she said, “Upgradation of anganwadi centres under “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0″ will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development.”

“The newly designed U-WIN platform for managing immunization and intensified efforts of Mission Indradhanush will be rolled out expeditiously throughout the country,” she added.

The ‘Ayushman Bhav’ initiative is envisaged to saturate all health care services in every village or town in line with the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure reach to the last mile and enable access to health care services for everyone in society.

‘Ayushman Bhav’ initiative involves a set of interventions that include ‘Ayushman – Apke Dwar 3.0’, ‘Ayushman Sabhas’, ‘Ayushman Melas-at Health and Wellness Level and Medical Camps by Medical Colleges at CHCs’, and eventually ensuring Gram/Nagar Panchayat or Urban Ward to attain the status of ‘Ayushman Panchayat’ or ‘Ayushman Urban Ward’ in saturation mode. (ANI)

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Defence Year-ender: Record Exports, All-Time High Production

By LokMarg 25th December 2023

As a result of the government’s shift from viewing India as a net importer to a net exporter over the past few years, the defence sector has seen a quantum jump.

The year 2023 was a landmark year for the Ministry of Defence as it witnessed defence exports reaching an all-time high–almost Rs 3,000 crore more than the previous financial year–and defence productions crossing the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time.

The year also saw growing ‘global’ demand for LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, aircraft carriers and others.

To achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and Armed Forces modernisation surged ahead with renewed thrust, the strengthening of border infrastructure, utilising Nari Shakti and ensuring Ex-Servicemen Welfare were at the core of the functioning of the Defence Ministry.

As per the Defence Ministry, exports reached an all-time high of around Rs 16,000 crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2022-23, almost Rs 3,000 crore more than the previous financial year and a rise of over 10 times since 2016-17.

India is now exporting to over 85 countries. Indian industry has shown its capability of design and development to the world, with 100 firms exporting defence products at present. Major platforms being exported include Dornier-228, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns, Brahmos Missiles, Akash Missile System, Radars, Simulators, Mine Protected Vehicles, Armoured Vehicles, PINAKA Rockets & Launchers, Ammunitions, Thermal Imagers, Body Armours, besides Systems, Line Replaceable Units and Parts & Components of Avionics and Small Arms.

The Fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) comprising 98 items was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’.

The list includes: Highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition have been included in the list. All these items will be procured from indigenous sources as per the provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 in the staggered timeline.

The DMA had earlier promulgated four PILs comprising 411 military items. Separately, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) has notified four PILs consisting of a total of 4,666 items, including Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems/Spares and Components for DPSUs. The fourth PIL of 928 items was released by DDP this year.

The value of defence production in the Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 crossed the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time. It was Rs 95,000 crore in FY 2021-22. The government is continuously working with defence industries and their associations to remove the challenges faced by them and promote defence production in the country.

Several policy reforms have been taken to achieve the objective of ease of doing business, including the integration of MSMEs and start-ups into the supply chain. Due to these policies, industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, are forthcoming in defence design, development & manufacturing, and there has been almost a 200 per cent increase in the number of defence licences issued to the industries in the last 7-8 years by the government.

Also, a record 75 per cent–around Rs one lakh crore–of the defence capital procurement budget was earmarked for the domestic industry in FY 2023-24, up from 68 per cent in FY 2022-23.

This was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the 14th Aero India in Bengaluru.

In FY 2023-24, the Ministry of Defence was allocated a total budget of Rs 5.94 lakh crore, which is 13.18 per cent of the total budget (Rs 45.03 lakh crore). The capital outlay of modernisation and infrastructure development was increased to Rs 1.63 lakh crore.

Moreover, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Tumakuru in Karnataka.

The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will initially produce Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs). The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton, single-engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high manoeuvrability. Initially, the factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year, which can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner.

In November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew a sortie in ‘Tejas’ twin-seater light combat fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. The sortie was carried out from the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment, Bengaluru.

During the 30-minute sortie, the capabilities of Tejas were demonstrated to the Prime Minister. It was the first time an Indian Prime Minister flew a fighter aircraft sortie.

The Prime Minister also visited the production facilities of LCA Tejas and was briefed about the technology-intensive work being done at HAL towards realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

HAL handed over the first twin-seater Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ to the IAF in the presence of Union Defence Minister of State (MoS) Ajay Bhatt in Bengaluru. It is a lightweight, all-weather multi-role 4.5-generation aircraft designed to support the training requirements of the IAF and augment itself to the role of a fighter in case of necessity.

It is an amalgamation of contemporary concepts and technologies such as relaxed static stability, quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree manoeuvring, advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems and advanced composite materials for the airframe. The IAF placed an order for 83 LCAs with HAL.

The year was also marked by the formal induction of the first C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force.

The first C-295 MW transport aircraft was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in the presence of the Defence Minister in September.

The aircraft are being inducted through a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain.

Fifteen more aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition and they are scheduled to be received by August 2025.

The remaining forty will be manufactured at the C-295 transport aircraft manufacturing facility; the foundation ‘Made in India’ aircraft is expected in September 2026.

This medium-lift tactical aircraft, which is capable of taking off and landing from unprepared landing grounds, will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft.

The ministry also said that in 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved in its meetings proposals worth a total of over Rs 3.50 lakh crore to enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces.

118 infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were dedicated to the nation by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh this year.

Currently, BRO is working on 20 tunnels, with 10 under construction and 10 in the planning stage. In the current year, 3,179m of bridges have been completed. The second phase of the upgrade of the Amarnath Yatra Tracks commenced in September, it said.

Shattering the glass ceiling, Captain Shiva Chauhan became the first woman officer to get operationally deployed in Kumar Post, Siachen Glacier, in January.

Siachen is the world’s highest battlefield. In December, Captain Geetika Koul became the first woman medical officer to be deployed at Siachen after completing the induction training at Siachen Battle School. Days later, Captain Fatima Wasim became the first woman medical officer to be deployed on an operational post on the Siachen Glacier.

The government order for revision of pensions of Armed Forces Pensioners/family pensioners under One Rank One Pension (OROP) effective July 1, 2019, was issued on January 4, 2023.

The Indian Army maintained a high state of preparedness and ensured stability & dominance along all the frontiers, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LC). Relentless counter-terrorism operations were also carried out while maintaining high training standards and constantly reviewing emerging & future threats to national security, the release further stated.

“The Indian Army is completely committed to promoting gender neutrality,” it added.

The induction of women officers (WOs) in the Regiment of Artillery is in progress. 10 women officers were commissioned in the Regiment of Artillery during 2023.

Under the Agnipath scheme, the first two batches (40,000) have completed their training and are under posting to the allotted units.

The Indian Air Force marching contingent participated in the Bastille Day Parade 2023 in Paris on July 14 as part of the Tri-Services contingent. The parade was witnessed by the Prime Minister of India, who was the chief guest for the event.

The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was undertaken as part of the Independence Day celebration from August 13 to August 15, 2023. The enthusiastic participation by air warriors and their families reflected the spirit of nationhood and commitment to taking our nation forward. (ANI)

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I’m Apologising On Behalf Of Govt: Devendra Fadnavis

By LokMarg 4th September 2023

Amid tension in Maharashtra’s Jalna after a lathi charge on protestors over the Maratha reservation, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday apologized on behalf of the Government.

“Lathicharge by police was not right… I am apologising on behalf of the Government. CM has said that the action will be taken against those who are responsible for it,” Fadnavis said at a Maratha reservation meeting chaired by CM.

A meeting was called with Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil for discussion on the matter, the Deputy Chief Minister’s office informed.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “We held a high-level meeting on the Maratha reservation. I have already spoken to protesters and we will resolve this issue systematically.”

“Today, we held a high-level meeting on the Maratha reservation. I have already spoken to protesters and we will resolve this issue systematically. Our government is serious about resolving the issues related to the Maratha reservation,” Shinde said.

The meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation took place at 12 pm, the Chief Minister’s Office informed. The CM and both the Deputy CMs were present at the meeting.

He further said that State Minister Girish Mahajan and other ministers will go (to Jalna) for discussions.

“We can resolve this issue only through discussions. The state government is working seriously on their (Maratha community) demands,” he added.

Moreover, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar further said that what happened in Jalna for the Maratha Reservation protest is unfortunate.

“Under Chair of CM Sub Committee meeting happened for Maratha Reservation. I appeal not to take law and order in hand … protest should be stopped, do protest peacefully,” Pawar said.

After the meeting with CM Shinde, Deputy CM Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Maratha agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil said, “I have had a conversation with the CM, and he has assured that he will take a positive decision.”

Manoj Jarange Patil has undertaken umpteen agitations seeking reservations for the Maratha community.

Earlier on Friday, a clash had broken out between police and protesters in Jalna demanding reservation for the Marathas. Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the protesters. (ANI)

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29,295 Vacancies Filled In J-K After Abrogation Of Article 370

By LokMarg 26th July 2023

A total of 29,295 vacancies were filled in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile state, the Central told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the input in a written reply to a member.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has carried out several governance reforms, including in the area of recruitment in Government. After the abrogation of Article 370, a large-scale recruitment drive has been carried out and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has filled 29,295 vacancies,” said Rai, adding that recruiting agencies have advertised 7,924 vacancies and examinations in respect of 2,504 vacancies have been conducted.

He said that the identification of vacancies in the Government and recruitment is a continuous and ongoing process.

“The same is taken up under accelerated recruitment drive,” the minister added.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken various initiatives to bring down unemployment by implementing various self-employment schemes through different departments by providing subsidized loans for the establishment of their own sustainable income generation units, the MoS further said.

He further said that a number of self-employment schemes like Mission Youth, Rural Livelihood Mission, Himayat, PMEGP, Avsar, and Tejaswani are being implemented for providing employment opportunities.

“From the results of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), estimates of the unemployment rate are not available specifically for the educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir for the period April-June 2021,” Rai added.

However, the Minister said, from the PLFS conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) during July 2020-June 2021, an estimate of the unemployment rate according to the usual status among the persons of age group 15-29 years for Jammu and Kashmir was 18.3 percent. (ANI)

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RS Adjourned Till 2 pm Over Discussion On Manipur

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday with some opposition leaders demanding a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Manipur in the House even as government expressed its willingness to discuss the issue.

The House which met at 12 noon after it was adjourned in the morning following obituary references, saw opposition members urging the Chair that they had given notices for adjournment motion which should be considered.
Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said he he had received 12 notices under Rule 176 for short duration discussion and the government had also expressed its willingness for discussion on the situation in Manipur.

The Chairman said he had also received notices for discussion pertaining to rail safety and unemployment situation.

He said the government is ready for discussion on Manipur under Rule 176.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge referred to remarks of Union Minister Piyush Goyal about the government’s willingness to discuss the issue and said opposition members had also given notices.

Derek O’Brien of Trinamool Congress said that they had given notices under Rule 267 for discussion on Manipur situation over ethnic violence in the state.

He also said that Prime Minister Modi should speak on the House on the situation in Manipur. Chairman adjourned the House till 2 pm amid din the House. (ANI)

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Centre Orders Twitter, Social Media To Take Down Video On Manipur Women

By LokMarg 20th July 2023

The Centre on Thursday asked Twitter and other social media to take down the video of two Manipuri women being paraded naked as the matter is under investigation.

As per sources, the Government has told social media platforms operating in India that it is imperative for them to adhere to Indian laws. The order was given after a video of the incident went viral on social media triggering shock and outrage.
According to the sources, “The government has issued an order to Twitter and other social media platforms, instructing them not to share the viral video of the two Manipuri women being paraded nude. It is imperative for the social media platforms to adhere to Indian laws as the matter is currently under investigation.”

According to a senior police official the incident took place on May 4 in Manipur’s Thoubal district and a case of abduction, gangrape and murder has been registered in the matter.

Superintendent of Police (SP), K Meghachandra Singh in a statement on July 19 said “As regards the video of 2 (two) women paraded naked by unknown armed miscreants on 4th May 2023, a case of abduction, gangrape and murder was registered at Nongpok Sekmai Police Station (Thoubal district) against unknown armed miscreants.”

“The investigation has started and the state police is making an all-out effort to arrest the culprits at the earliest,” the statement read.

The police statement was also tweeted by BJP Leader and IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya.

Union Minister for Women and Child Welfare Smriti Irani tweeted that she had spoken to Chief minister Biren Singh over the issue. “The horrific video of sexual assault of 2 women emanating from Manipur is condemnable and downright inhuman. Spoke to CM N Biren Singh ji who has informed me that the investigation is currently underway & assured that no effort will be spared to bring perpetrators to justice,” Irani tweeted.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his tweet claimed that the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue has pushed the state into anarchy.

“PM’s silence and inaction has led Manipur into anarchy. INDIA will not stay silent while the idea of India is being attacked in Manipur. We stand with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way forward,” the Congress leader tweeted. (ANI)

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Avoid Unnecessary Journeys: Dhami On Incessant Rainfall In U’khand

By LokMarg 12th July 2023

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday requested the people of the state and the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary journeys in view of continuous rainfall in the state.

“In view of continuous rains in all areas of the state, I request all the people of the state and pilgrims to avoid making unnecessary journeys. I’m overseeing the condition of roadways and rain from all the districts 24 hours a day from the State Disaster Control Room. The district administration and SDRF have been instructed to remain on high alert in all the districts”, CM Dhami shared in a tweet.
The chief minister further shared the disaster relief numbers issued by the state to help citizens stranded in different places including Himachal Pradesh due to the heavy rains and flash floods.

“Our government has issued disaster relief numbers to help the citizens of Uttarakhand stranded in different places of the state and Himachal Pradesh. For any help, you can contact on the following numbers – 9411112985, 01352717380, 01352712685. Apart from this, you can also message on WhatsApp number- 9411112780”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Central Flood Control Room in Dehradun informed that the water level of most of the rivers in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions including Haridwar has touched the danger mark due to continuous heavy rains in the state. Further, they added that the water level in dams and reservoirs has reached almost close to the danger mark.

Further, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli Police informed that the Pokhri-Karnprayag road has been completely closed due to debris from the rain.

“The work of removing debris with the help of a JCB is in progress by the concerned executive body RGB. It may take more than 24 hours to open the road…Please be patient…”, the Chamoli police shared in a tweet.

Earlier today, a road in Dharali on the National Highway towards Gangotri was washed away due to the surge of Kheer Ganga. Uttarkashi district administration said that efforts are on to open the closed road for the last 12 hours amid heavy rains.

Also, in view of the alert of the Meteorological Department, the duty officer of the State Emergency Operation Center has asked the Tourism Development Council to take precautions for the safety of the passengers and on the pedestrian routes while operating the Char Dham Yatra.

Earlier the officials informed that the Kedarnath Yatra has been stopped at Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag and Gaurikund due to continuous heavy rains.

In view of the safety of the passengers, the district administration stopped the passengers at Sonprayag and Gaurikund due to continuous bad weather.

Due to rain, four state roads and 10 link roads are closed due to debris. Due to heavy rains, Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are in spate, the officials said.

Amid the heavy rains in Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for July 12 on Monday.

“Orange Alert: #Uttarakhand and adjoining areas of Western #UttarPradesh likely to get Heavy to Very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4mm) on 12th July”, IMD shared in a tweet. (ANI)

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Flood Like Situation Unlikely In Delhi: Kejriwal

By LokMarg 10th July 2023

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that there is no flood threat in Delhi due to the rise in water level of Yamuna, following two days of heavy rain in the national capital and adjoining areas.

He also urged all political parties to refrain from blame games stating that it was not the time to “point fingers” at each other.
“A flood-like situation unlikely to arise in Delhi. Government is prepared to deal with any situation,” he said addressing a press conference here after a meeting to review the city’s handling of the heavy rainfall.

Kejriwal said, “It is not the time to point fingers and single out anybody.” He added that evacuation of people from low-lying areas around Yamuna will commence once the river breaches 206-metre mark.

Citing reports of the Central Water Commision (CWC), Kejriwal said, “Yamuna river flowing at 203.58 meters in Delhi. It is expected to reach 205.5 meters tomorrow morning. Also, according to weather predictions, the water level in Yamuna is not expected to rise too high. A flood-like situation is unlikely. If Yamuna crosses the 206-metre mark, then we will start evacuation along the banks of the river.”

Kejriwal also said potholes on Delhi roads will be filled with stones to prevent accidents, and that the New Delhi Municipal Corporation has been asked to resolve waterlogging problems faced by residents.

Further, he said that there will be inquiry into the incidents of roads caving in. He said that the state governments in the states in north India, which bore the brunt of the torrential rainfall were reaching out to affected people.

“All the political parties will have to coordinate and seek ways to provide relief to the people. Northern India was pounded with unpreceded rains over the last few days,” the Aam Admi Party National Convenor said.

He mentioned that Delhi received the highest rainfall in July since 1982.

“There are reports that people are facing a lot of problems in other adjoining areas as well. In such a situation, we all have to come forward and help each other”, Kejriwal said.

He said that the Delhi government has directed its officials to reach out to the people after heavy rains wreaked havoc in the city.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for today in the national capital.

Ahead of the review meeting today Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) minister Atishi inspected the Yamuna river’s water level.

The national capital recorded 153 mm of rainfall in 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, the highest in a single day in July since 1982, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Several parts of northwest India witnessed a heavy spell of rain with Delhi shattering a 41-year record on Sunday, IMD said.

There were reports of house collapses, uprooting of trees and waterlogging in several residential colonies in the national capital over the last two days.

Waterlogging issues were also observed in diplomatic enclaves such as Chanakyapuri, Kaka Nagar, Bharti Nagar, and other prominent roads and colonies under the jurisdiction of the NDMC.

Further, according to the IMD, an interaction between a western disturbance and monsoonal winds is leading to an intense rainfall spell over northwest India, including Delhi, which experienced the season’s first “very heavy” rainfall. (ANI)

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‘I Am Confused,’ Manipur CM On Reasons Behind Violence

By LokMarg 1st July 2023

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said he was also confused about reasons for ethnic violence in Manipur, saying his government had not made any recommendations if the Meitei community should or should not be included as Scheduled Tribe and that the answer may be with those who organised solidarity rally after which clashes erupted.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Biren Singh also targeted the opposition Congress, saying “we are eating the poison fruits, seeds of which were sowed by them” .
“”I am confused as well…I had said a consensus is important…High Court had asked us; my Government had still not recommended if the Meitei community should or should not be included as Scheduled Tribe. There was four-week time. So, I don’t know the reason. It should be the organisation, that organised a solidarity rally to not include Meitei, that should tell the world…They have the answer…,” Biren Singh said when asked about the reasons behind ethnic violence in his state that erupted about two months back.

Asked if an international organisation could have a role to play, in the violence in his state, the Chief Minister said Manipur faces challenges of a border state.

“…Manipur is a neighbour to Myanmar. There is China nearby. 398 km of our borders are porous, unguarded. There are security forces but such a large area can’t be guarded…But going by what is happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm…It seems pre-planned but the reason is not open…,” Biren Singh told ANI.

Biren Singh lashed out at opposition parties particularly the Congress, which has been demanding his resignation over law and order situation in the state.

“…Where did these problems come from? These are deep-rooted. They are not today’s problems. Those who are levelling allegations, like Congress – we are eating the poison fruits, seeds of which were sowed by them…The entire world knows whose mistake was it…The ethnic clash between Kuki and Meitei continued for two-three years, there were losses and deaths. That is why, the Kuki militants rose at that time…they were given a free run from 2005-2018, for 13 years. That is why this is happening…,” he said.

He said the state and Central governments were making all efforts for restoring peace in the state and added that he spoke with Kuki brothers and sisters over the telephone earlier in the day that “let’s forgive and forget”.

“We are making all efforts, at all levels, to restore peace. A few hours ago, I spoke with our Kuki brothers and sisters over the telephone that let’s forgive and forget; reconcile and live together like we always have…Government has only tried to screen the people coming from outside in the wake of Myanmar turmoil and send them back once the situation improves. Our priority is to restore peace normalcy in Manipur,” Biren Singh said.

The Chief Minister also gave a personal message to the people of the state saying all tribes have to live together and he will not allow division of the state.

“We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All of these 34 tribes have to live together…We just have to be careful that not many people from outside should come and settle here so that there is no demographic imbalance…As the CM, I promise you I won’t allow Manipur to break or allow separate administration. I will sacrifice to keep everyone as one,” he said.

Biren Singh slammed Rahul Gandhi who visited Manipur for two days earlier this week and alleged that he had come with “a political agenda”.

“We can’t stop anyone. But the timing – it has been 40 days. Why did he not come earlier? He is a Congress leader but in what capacity was he making the visit? I don’t think the timing was right. He seemed to have come with a political agenda. He came and then there was an incident in the market and BJP office was attacked. Did he come for the situation in the state or for political mileage? I don’t support the manner in which he came,” Biren Singh said.

The Chief Minister also revealed reasons for not deciding to go ahead with the decision to resign, saying he felt the support of people who had gathered outside his residence and that he had earlier felt hurt over actions of a section of people despite the Centre and state governments making a lot of efforts for restoration of peace in the state that has witnessed ethnic violence.

The Chief Minister has come under repeated attack from the opposition, particularly the Congress, over the law and order situation in the state.

Ethnic violence erupted in the State on May 3 after clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for including Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state and announced several measures for the restoration of peace. (ANI)