Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Friday stressed the need for dialogue and negotiations among communities to resolve differences and restore lasting peace in the state. He said rebuilding mutual trust was essential and that security measures alone could not address the underlying problems.
Speaking on the sidelines of a programme, Konthoujam urged communities to engage in discussions and work towards resolving their differences through mutual understanding. He emphasised that sustained efforts would be required to bridge the trust deficit and bring people closer.
“Peace is brought only through negotiations and not through the barrel of the gun. We must come to an understanding and engage in talks. We must gradually try to erase the trust deficit among us. Security alone cannot do it,” the minister said.
Konthoujam also highlighted the common bonds shared by people living across Manipur and called on communities to set aside their differences and work towards reconciliation.
“All the residents of Manipur are brothers and sisters. We must come to the table and resolve our differences,” he added.
The home minister’s remarks underscored the importance of political and community-level engagement alongside security measures in efforts to restore normalcy in the state. His appeal focused on the need for sustained communication and a willingness among communities to address their concerns through peaceful means.
Konthoujam also said the state government had facilitated discussions by bringing stakeholders together for talks. Such engagements, he indicated, were important for creating opportunities to address differences and rebuild confidence among communities.
The minister’s statement comes amid continuing efforts to improve relations between communities in Manipur. His call for dialogue highlighted the need for a broader approach to peacebuilding, with negotiations, mutual understanding and the restoration of trust playing a central role in achieving a lasting resolution.
