Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday rejected demands made by 10 MLAs including 7 from his own party (BJP) for a separate administration for the Kuki-dominated districts of the state. “I assure the people that the territorial integrity of Manipur will be protected at all costs,” he said.

The CM also said no force would be used to break the blockades imposed by some groups on highways in the state in the wake of the rioting, and instead “efforts would be made to reason with these demonstrators”.