Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has recently pledged to restore peace in the state within six months, citing the gradual subsiding of ethnic violence. He emphasized that his commitment to addressing the situation will be supported by the central government.
In an interview with PTI, the Manipur CM disclosed that he appointed an emissary to facilitate talks between Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. This move is part of his broader effort to address the ongoing ethnic clashes that have been affecting the state.
Singh also addressed calls for his resignation, asserting that he has not been involved in any criminal activity or scandal that would necessitate stepping down. His statement underscores both a determination to resolve the ongoing conflict and a defense of his position amidst the current challenges.
Since the violence erupted in May 2023, the clashes between these two groups have resulted in 226 deaths, according to official figures.
The chief minister acknowledged that while his popularity has waned, the BJP's overall popularity remains strong. He attributed some of the dissatisfaction to perceptions that he, as Chief Minister, has not adequately addressed the violence in the state. Singh emphasized that responding with retaliation is not a viable solution and that resolving the conflict will require dialogue and negotiations. He maintained that the BJP's standing in the political arena is intact despite the challenges he faces.
"You can see the photos and videos of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, Manipur might be the best one in the entire Northeast. I can say this proudly. The opposition has won two seats by misleading the people... by abusing the PM, CM, Amit Shah ji. Now, we have started the groundwork and people have started realising the facts," Manipur CM added.
"Why should I resign? Have I stolen anything? Is there a scandal against me? Have I worked against the nation or state? I have saved the state from illegal migration and illegal poppy cultivation. My job is to protect Manipur and the people of Manipur. There is no question [of resigning],” the chief minister said while responding to questions on the ethnic violence in his state.
Singh also pointed to his government’s crackdown on drug trafficking and efforts to identify illegal immigrants as key factors contributing to the ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Singh suggested that these actions have heightened tensions and contributed to the conflict, which has seen both groups clashing since May 2023. By highlighting these issues, Singh aims to provide context for the unrest and underscore the challenges his administration faces in restoring peace.
According to Singh, the BJP's loss in both Lok Sabha seats from Manipur, including the Meitei-dominated Inner Manipur, was a reflection of his popularity, and not because his party was any less popular.
He said people blamed him for not doing enough to quell the violence despite having security forces at his command.
"People got emotional that I could not do much despite being the CM.
Despite having forces at my command, they believed I did not get back at those using guns," the chief minister said.
Singh claimed he always believed that the solution would come not from hitting back but through dialogue and peace.
The chief minister has been accused by Kuki groups of favouring Meiteis, a community he comes from, in the ethnic violence that has claimed 226 lives since May 2023 according to an official count and displaced thousands of families.
Opposition parties have demanded his resignation, saying it will help repair the torn social fabric.
"I am the chief minister of every community, be it Meiteis, Kukis, or Nagas," he said.
Singh said his government intensified its "war on drugs" in its second term and the drive to detect illegal immigrants from Myanmar while clearing encroached reserve forests, measures which did not go down well with a section of people.
Though he did not say it directly, Meitei groups have alleged that a section of Kukis was linked to poppy plantations in hilly areas inhabited by them and to protecting illegal immigrants who are of the same ethnic stock as they are.
"Whatever I did was for the country, for the state. It was not for Biren," Singh said, expressing concern over the use of reserve forests for poppy plantations and illegal settlements.
Referring to his apparent bid to step down in June last year before he changed his mind after his supporters tore his resignation letter, Singh said he might have considered it at one point in time wondering if he still had people's trust but no longer does so.
"Public is with me. Then why should I (quit)," he said.
Though an uncertain calm has returned to the state, the two ethnic groups remain separated, wary of venturing into each other's territories.
(Inputs from PTI)
