Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba have strongly criticised a report released by the Delhi-based organisation People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), which claimed that the ethnic violence in Manipur was “orchestrated and not spontaneous.”
Former CM N. Biren said the report only deepens divisions, prolongs mistrust, and risks promoting misunderstanding at a time when the state needs healing and reconciliation. The conflict, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands, remains one of the most challenging crises the state has faced in recent decades.
“The PUCL report undermines efforts toward unity and peace,” Biren stated, adding that such publications are counterproductive and harmful when the focus should be on rebuilding trust and restoring harmony among communities.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba declared that “more than 3,000 FIRs” would be lodged against PUCL over its claims. He accused the organisation of spreading misinformation and further dividing communities through its findings.
Their remarks came after the Imphal-based Human Rights International Freedom (HRIF) issued a legal notice threat against PUCL, alleging that the report, titled ‘Independent People’s Tribunal on the Ongoing Ethnic Conflict in Manipur’, was “blatantly one-sided, replete with unverified facts, misinformation, and biased in favour of the Kuki community while deliberately omitting and distorting the narrative and suffering of the Meitei community.”
HRIF further contended that the report “contains unverified and inflammatory allegations without credible evidence” and warned that its selective reporting could exacerbate tensions, fuel enmity, and disrupt the fragile peace process.
N. Biren lauded HRIF for taking the initiative, saying he was confident that other organisations would also pursue legal action against PUCL for attempting to divide Manipur through what he termed an “obnoxious” report. He reiterated that the need of the hour is unity and reconciliation, not narratives that risk further polarisation.