Manipur Deputy CM says there is no room for violence in the state

Manipur's Deputy Chief Minister G. Gaikhangam has said that there is no room for violence in the state, and urged the people of the region to express themselves on issues in a democratic and non-violent way.

"There is no room for violence. If you want to express something, it can be done in a democratic way. There are lots of alternating ways of expressing the ideas. Killing will not bring anything good. It harms everybody," he said.

Gaikhangam was giving his reactions to the recent IED blasts in the state capital that claimed two lives.

On December 15, a powerful IED exploded at the Mahatma Gandhi Avenue in Imphal city. Two people were killed and at least fivve others were injured.

The blast occurred in a godown of betel leaves.

Chief Minister Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and several top officials visited the RIMS hospital to meet the injured victims.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Dhiren Singh, a shopkeeper, said that the blasts occurred around 10.30 in the morning, and he thought that a car tyre had burst. It was only later that he realised that it was a bomb explosion, he added.

On December 11, a powerful IED exploded at Sawombung Phaknung Lamkhai in Imphal East. A student was injured in the incident.

It is suspected that the bomb was planted by militants to attack security forces who regularly pass through that route.

Sanayai Singh, the injured student, said, "Such incidents are not good. It is not only about me, but for the entire public, because such incidents create panic.So, it is not good at all."

Over the years, violent activities by militant outfits have caused major loss to life and property in Manipur.

The locals are tired of living in an atmosphere of fear and want such outfits to shun violence for a peaceful life.