IT News
Imphal, Jan 30:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched a sharp criticism against certain politicians and individuals, accusing them of exploiting ethnic tensions for political gain and being complicit with forces attempting to destabilize the state.
Speaking at a public interaction program in Khangabok, Thoubal district, the Chief Minister alleged that some politicians are working in coordination with elements trying to break Manipur. He blamed them for misleading the people and fueling internal conflicts, further complicating the state’s already volatile situation.
“Too much politics has confused the people and created internal divisions. Even some politicians are hand in glove with those who want to break Manipur,” Biren Singh stated.
While he did not name any specific political leader or party, the Chief Minister claimed that external forces were using “agents” within the Imphal valley to provoke unrest.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacing thousands. Addressing the ongoing crisis, Biren Singh reiterated that the state government’s opposition is not against any community but against new immigrants allegedly involved in drug-related activities.
“Our duty is to recognize who our real opponents are and who has launched attacks on us. We have to defend ourselves from them,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the unity of various ethnic groups in the state, stating that communities such as Thadou, Mate, Gangte, Vaiphei, Paite, Tangkhul, Mao, and Maram are all brothers who have coexisted peacefully for generations. “Our opposition is only to the new immigrants engaged in drug-related activities,” he added.