Amid continuous political attacks over ethnic violence in Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured to fully restore peace in the state within the next six months with the help of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Centre. With Opposition calling for his resignation, the Manipur Chief Minister has also ruled out stepping down, saying he has neither "committed a crime nor spawned a scandal".
Biren Singh, in an interview with PTI Videos, clarified he has no intention of quitting. “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),” he said.
This came days after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee called for the resignation of Manipur CM, citing several incidents of atrocities against women in the state. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also sparked controversy with claims that aftereffects of violence in her state can spill over to neighbouring states like Assam and Manipur. "PM Modi, you are trying to create unrest in Bengal through your people. But remember, if you burn Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi will also burn," she said while speaking at the foundation day ceremony of the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) student wing on Wednesday.
Asked what kind of a deadline he has fixed for himself to restore peace, Singh indicated that along with dialogue, the Central government's involvement -- either through the home ministry or other agencies -- will be critical in bringing peace. “I don't think it will stretch long. Within 5-6 months peace should return. It is our hope and I am also confident,” said Singh, who is a Meitei and remains largely mistrusted by the Kukis.
The clashes between the Kuki-zo and Meiti ethnic groups since May 2023 have left 226 dead, according to the official count. With violence subsiding over time, the Meitei-dominated Imphal has started appearing fully normal, with streets buzzing with traffic and shops doing brisk business, but the hills surrounding the capital's flat valley terrain remain out of bounds for all except its Kuki inhabitants.
The conflict has also extracted a political cost on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been criticized by the opposition and his critics for not visiting Manipur to help soothe the people. Speaking on the issue, Singh said, “PM coming or not coming has been made an issue by people. The PM may not have come but he has sent his home minister. And PM has so often spoken about Manipur, even from Lal Quila on Independence Day … and whatever is being done here in terms of security, funding etc, is under his leadership only. In a complex situation a PM coming was not necessary."
The Chief Minister also rejected the demand of Kukis for a separate administration. “Manipur is a small state, hardworking state. Our forefathers have a history of 2000 years. Many sacrifices were made to make this state. This state can’t be broken or have a separate administration. We will not allow this,” he told PTI.
However, he mentioned that it can be looked at what can be done through the autonomous councils with a focus on development. He further stressed that it is very important to develop hill areas for which he will request the central government to give a special package.
Biren Singh also revealed that he has appointed an emissary --Dinganglung Gangmei, a Naga MLA and the chairman of the Hill Area Committee-- to hold talks with Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. "All this can be solved with dialogue. Dialogue is the only way,” Singh said.
Singh stated origins of the Kuki-zo and Meitei conflict go back to his first term as chief minister in 2017-2022 when he cracked down on illegal drug trade and migration from neighbouring Myanmar, whose border is only about 100 kilometres from Imphal. He implied that those hit by his crackdown conspired to destabilise his government and the state by fomenting Kuki-Meitei clashes. Kukis are mostly hill-dwelling Christian tribes while Meiteis are Hindus living in the plains and valleys. Kuki tribes are also found in Myanmar.