Assam Rifles Commandant Holds Peace Dialogue with Manipur Civil Society Organizations
In a significant move to strengthen community trust and promote stability in conflict-affected Manipur, Prashant Singh Chundawat, Commandant of the Assam Rifles Srikona Battalion, engaged in a constructive dialogue with representatives from various civil society organizations (CSOs). The meeting took place on Saturday at Nungba in Tamenglong district of Manipur, with the Assam Rifles battalion headquartered near Silchar in Assam.
Addressing Concerns Amid Ongoing Ethnic Unrest
The interaction was organized against the backdrop of persistent ethnic tensions and sporadic incidents of violence that have disrupted normal life across multiple districts in Manipur. Officials emphasized that the primary objective of this engagement was to directly address local concerns while fostering enhanced cooperation between security forces and the community.
During the meeting, CSO representatives raised several critical issues including:
- Security challenges affecting daily life and movement
- Development initiatives that have been stalled due to the unrest
- The urgent need for restoration of normalcy and peace in the region
- Community-specific grievances requiring immediate attention
Commitment to Collaborative Resolution
Commandant Prashant Singh Chundawat provided firm assurances to the civil society representatives, stating that the Assam Rifles remains fully committed to working closely with the local population to address their concerns. He emphasized the importance of transparent communication and mutual understanding in resolving grievances and building sustainable peace.
The commandant highlighted that such interactions are essential for bridging gaps between security forces and communities, particularly in regions experiencing prolonged unrest. He reiterated that the Assam Rifles views community cooperation as fundamental to maintaining stability and facilitating development in Manipur.
This meeting represents part of broader efforts by security forces to engage with civil society stakeholders in Manipur, where ethnic conflicts have created significant challenges for governance and daily life. The Assam Rifles, as one of the primary security forces operating in the region, has been actively involved in peacekeeping and community engagement initiatives.
The dialogue at Nungba follows similar interactions in other parts of Manipur, reflecting a consistent approach to addressing local concerns through direct communication. Security officials noted that such engagements help build trust and create channels for ongoing cooperation between security forces and community representatives.
