Imphal, Sept. 7 -- Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated on Monday that the state government is systematically reviewing criminal cases filed against individuals following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

Responding to a short-duration discussion raised by Opposition MLA K. Ranjit Singh in the state Assembly, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the unprecedented conflict forced many youths to take up arms.

While noting that some acted with "good intentions" to defend their areas, he cautioned that others utilized the unrest to engage in purely criminal activities.

Addressing the status of local armed factions, Khemchand Singh clarified that the state government has not banned "Village Volunteers" in either t...