Gun culture must end for Manipur peace, says Chief Minister

Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand has identified gun culture as a fundamental obstacle to establishing lasting peace in the violence-affected state, calling for its elimination as a prerequisite for stability and development.

During recent remarks, Khemchand emphasized that addressing the proliferation and normalization of firearms within society remains critical to breaking cycles of conflict that have plagued the region. The Chief Minister's statement reflects growing concerns among state administration officials about the deep entrenchment of armed groups and weaponry in Manipur's social fabric.

Acknowledging security challenges, Khemchand stressed that combing operations and law enforcement activities must be conducted with appropriate safeguards to shield innocent civilians from harm. He underscored that counterinsurgency and peacekeeping efforts require careful implementation to avoid collateral damage to non-combatant populations.

The Chief Minister's remarks come amid continued efforts by authorities to restore normalcy across Manipur, where ethnic tensions have periodically escalated into violence. State officials have indicated that a comprehensive approach combining security measures with social reformation initiatives will be necessary to achieve sustainable peace in the region.