"Talks, Not Violence, Is The Solution": Manipur's Kargil War Veteran Calls For Peace

Manipur ethnic violence: "...Every effort should be towards bringing peace, not towards making the situation worse from bad," Lieutenant General Konsam Himalay Singh (retired) told NDTV

A retired top-ranking army officer who is involved as a member of the Manipur government's consultative committee in the Naga peace talks has appealed to the people of Manipur to shun violence and start a dialogue. "Together for Peace in #Manipur"Assuring locals of safety-an important task of Area Domination Patrols. Specifically grouped Riflewomen have been a force multiplier as they provide the much needed connect with women & children of villages affected by violence.#ManipurRescuepic.twitter.com/DSaBgNScNj

Over 70 people have died in violence since May 4 when violence broke out between Manipur's valley residents Meiteis and the Kuki tribals in the hills over the Meiteis' demand for inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.

Lieutenant General Konsam Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM YSM (retired) - the first officer from the northeast to become a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army - has requested both Meitei and Kuki groups to work together to bring back normalcy and ensure the safe return of people who had to leave their settlements after violence broke out.

"Right now, the need is working to ensure everyone in Manipur, whether tribal or non-tribal, Meitei or Kuki, come to an understanding that violence is not the solution," Lt General Singh told NDTV on phone from the US, where he has gone on a personal visit and is likely to return soon.