Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday emphasised the need for unity across all sections of society to address the ongoing situation in the state. Speaking at an event in Imphal, he asserted that external forces were attempting to sow discord within the state and called for unity in the face of these challenges. He urged the citizens to set aside political differences when issues concern national or state unity.
“There were forces trying to disintegrate the state, but the people should remain united. Let political differences remain political, but when the issue at hand is national or state unity, all differences should be dismissed,” the Chief Minister said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
“It’s not the time for bickering among ourselves,” he added while he said he welcomed constructive criticisms, advice, and suggestions. He asserted that his government cannot permit any threat to the state’s unity or the disintegration of its diverse communities, PTI reported.
The state has been grappling with ethnic violence since May, with Kuki-Zo groups demanding a separate administration for tribal areas. Over 180 people have lost their lives since the outbreak of violence in May, triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Chief Minister Biren Singh accused both the state government and the Centre of failing to address the ethnic violence effectively. The demand for ST status has fueled tensions between the Meitei community, constituting 53% of Manipur’s population and residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, forming 40% and residing predominantly in the hill districts.
In a significant development, the Manipur Chief Minister on Sunday confirmed that his government is in advanced talks with an insurgent group based in the Imphal Valley, and a peace accord is expected soon. While he did not disclose the group’s name, he stated, “We are advancing, and we are expecting to sign a peace accord with one big UG (underground organisation) very shortly.” This marked the first official confirmation of such talks since the onset of ethnic violence in the state.
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