Former Manipur CM Biren Singh praises 19th Battalion, Garhwal Rifles for confidence-building efforts

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on December 19 appreciated the 19th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles for undertaking confidence-building measures in Torbung village following a recent attack by suspected Kuki militants in Bishnupur district.

Biren Singh returned to Imphal after attending a high-level BJP meeting in New Delhi on December 14, chaired by central party leaders. Speaking to the media, he responded to queries regarding the attacks in Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai areas.

He said that miscreants exist in every community and asserted that the Government of India would take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent any incident that could reignite violence in the state. “The Centre will act firmly to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he said.

The former Chief Minister specifically lauded the outreach efforts of the 19th Battalion, Garhwal Rifles, stating that their engagement with local residents after the attack helped reassure the community and restore a sense of security and normalcy.

Responding to questions about the BJP meeting in Delhi, Biren Singh described the visit as “significant and purposeful.” He said that while meetings involving MLAs and civil society groups are held periodically, this meeting was exclusively for BJP MLAs from Manipur.

Out of the 37 BJP MLAs in the state, 34 attended the meeting, with the remaining absent due to unavoidable circumstances. He said the meeting focused on restoring peace at the earliest and bringing prosperity to the state.

“The deliberations centred on how communities can once again live together peacefully with a sense of oneness and mutual affection,” Biren Singh said, adding that the meeting was positive and forward-looking.

He expressed hope that continued dialogue, security initiatives, and cooperation among communities would help Manipur move towards lasting peace and stability.