Imphal, Oct 2 (Reporter) Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led people of Manipur in paying tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his birth anniversary on Wednesday and urged the citizens of the violence-hit state to address challenges through peaceful and political means. He emphasised the importance of embracing non-violence, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. The Chief Minister's call for non-violence holds significance in the backdrop of the clashes in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, due to ethnic tensions between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribal community. Violence erupted after a directive from the Manipur High Court to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis, leading to over 200 deaths till September 2023. Incidents of violence have continued over the past one year. Meanwhile, the state government observed National Cleanliness Day/Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal, on Wednesday. The Chief Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi while ministers, a Member of Parliament, the Advocate General, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and high-ranking civil and police officials also attended the event. The Congress party also observed the day at Congress Bhawan...////...