GUWAHATI: In a crucial meeting held on January 6, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh engaged in discussions with his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, focusing on security and development of the Northeast.
The meeting, held at the latter’s official residence in Guwahati, also saw both leaders delving into matters concerning welfare of the Manipuri community residing in Assam, the local press reported.
Singh, who arrived in Guwahati on the evening of January 5 from Imphal, underscored the urgency of finding a solution to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.
Taking to social media after the meeting, Biren Singh expressed his pleasure in the discussions, acknowledging the focus on regional security and development.
“It was a pleasure meeting with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri @himantabiswa Ji, at his official residence in Guwahati today. Discussed various matters concerning the security and development of the North East region. The measures for the welfare of the Manipuris living in Assam were also deliberated,” he wrote.
Reportedly, the Manipur Chief Minister carried a message seeking cooperation from Assam in resolving the ethnic tensions.
The meeting assumes significant importance as the leaders addressed the pressing need for inter-state collaboration and support for the Manipuri community, particularly those affected by the violence.
Earlier in June 2023, Sarma, amidst the peak of violence in Manipur, had flown down to the state to meet Singh.
Sarma had reportedly carried a message from BJP’s central leadership to find a solution to the ethnic violence plaguing the state since May 3.
“I came to Manipur to meet Chief Minister Singh, his cabinet colleagues, party leaders, and civil society organisations. For us, peace and stability in Manipur is very important. Whatever I have learned during the day or whatever discussion I had, I will report the same to the Union Home Minister for further necessary actions,” Sarma was quoted as saying by a national daily.
