Imphal: In an unverified viral video clip, Mixed Martial Arts fighter Chunreng Koren from Manipur purportedly urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the northeastern state to address the ongoing violence and restore peace.
He also claimed shortage of food and water afflicting the people of Manipur and sought Modi's intervention as uncertainty looms large in the state.
"This is my humble request. Violence is taking place in Manipur. It has been almost a year. People are dying and many people are at relief camps. There is a shortage of food and water at these relief camps. The children are not able to study properly. The future is unclear. Modi ji, please visit Manipur once and restore peace in the state," Koren is purportedly heard speaking at the event.
Violence in Manipur escalated since May 2023 following protests by a Tribal Solidarity March for the Meitei community's demand for Schedule Tribes (ST) status. Meiteis boasts 53 percent of the state population and constitutes the largest community in the state.
Taking to X, the Aam Aadmi Party blamed the PM for the situation in the country and said the players were crying in sorrow even after victory.
"It's been a year, violence continues in Manipur. People are dying. Modi ji should visit Manipur once, we want peace here. - Chungreng Koren (Indian #MatrixFightNight Wrestler). Players are crying in sorrow even after victory, Modi has made this the condition of the country," the party Xed.
Amidst the escalating violence in the region, a serving junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Indian Army, last week, was allegedly abducted by a group of armed men from Thoubal district of strife-torn Manipur and rescued nearly nine hours later.
The Indian Army, in a statement, said: "The synergized efforts of the security forces resulted in the JCO being safely rescued at 6:30 PM. The JCO is currently at Waikhong Police Station (near Kakching) in Thoubal district. Manipur Police is investigating the incident."
