Prime Minister of India: Peace is Gradually Returning to Manipur

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated today, Tuesday, that "peace is gradually returning to the state of Manipur," which has been torn by conflict in the northeastern part of the country, where at least 180 people have been killed and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes in communal clashes that erupted since May. In a speech on Independence Day in New Delhi, Modi stated, "For a few days now, we have been receiving reports that peace is beginning to prevail. The state is supporting the people of Manipur. The state wants the residents of Manipur to hold onto the peace that has emerged in the past few days and to expand it." He added, "The state and the federal government are working diligently and will continue to work diligently to resolve this peacefully." Modi condemned the sexual assaults on women in Manipur and pledged to make decisive decisions regarding this issue; however, opposition parties accuse his government of causing divisions in the state and of "not doing enough to end the clashes."