IMPHAL: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho on Friday appealed for dialogue and reconciliation following the killing of four persons in Ukhrul district, urging all sections of society to work together to prevent further violence.

In a statement, Dikho said the state had endured immense suffering and that the recent loss of innocent lives had left deep wounds that could never be healed through violence or retaliation.

Strongly condemning the killings at New Heaven, the Deputy Chief Minister said human life was precious and enough blood had already been shed. He urged people to step back from further confrontation and give peace a chance.

The senior Naga leader also appealed to civil society organisations, village authorities, youth leaders and all peace-loving citizens to come forward and participate in dialogue to restore peace.

“Let us replace the cycle of retaliation with the hard work of conversation. Let us end these killings and give peace a chance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police stated that additional security forces, comprising personnel from Manipur Police, BSF, the Army and Assam Rifles, had been rushed to the area to strengthen security and prevent further untoward incidents.

Search operations had also been launched in and around the incident site to trace and apprehend those involved in the killings, the police statement added.