Manipur CM appeals to militants to lay down arms

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Friday appealed to insurgents in the state to lay down their arms.

Urging insurgents to take part in government development and welfare projects, Singh said during his Independence Day speech: "In a democratic country like ours, everything can be discussed through dialogue and violence will not bring any solution."

Six major insurgent groups in the state have called for general strike in Manipur to boycott the celebration of Independence Day, holding the view that Manipur was forcibly merged with the Union of India.