Manipur crisis war against Indian Union: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 01 2023: While maintaining that the current crisis in Manipur is neither a clash between two ethnic groups nor law-and-order issue of the state, chief minister N Biren has said that the crisis is purely a war waged against the Indian Union by Myanmar and Bangladesh based Kuki militants in collaboration with militant groups operating in Manipur.

Following confirmation of involvement of foreign militants in the present crisis, the Government of India has begun fighting the war on its own, CM Biren told media persons at CM secretariat, here, on Sunday evening.

According to CM Biren, concerted efforts of the Centre and the state government have succeeded in unearthing root causes of the violence that broke out on May 3 and it would be beneficial to make aware of the development to the people of Manipur, outside and to the global community.

The cunent crisis instigated by a group of people who want to disintegrate Manipur was projected as ethnic or communal clash between majority and minority communities.

They even tried to wrongly portray the crisis as religious prosecution at various international platforms including the United Nations, European Union and others.

However, the real cause of the crisis has come up now with the voice of people, Biren said and appealed to people who had lone been in confusing state to remain calm.

While maintaining that the present crisis is not an ethnic clash but purely a war against Indian Union waged by Myanmar and Bangladesh based militants in collusion with Kuki militants operating in Manipur, the chief minister substantiated his claim by referring to the statement made by Union home minister Amit Shah in the Parliament and by Extemal Affairs minister S Jaishankar on Manipur violence.

The statement issued by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on the arrest of Seiminlun Gangte, the prime accused in the Kwakta carbomb blast of June 22, also substantiated involvement of adversary elements in the crisis, Biren said, adding that the Central government will further take up necessary measures to tackle it.

Expressing concern over the disturbances caused to Manipur police personnel by public for their act in mob control, the chief minister reminded that state forces were at the frontline to fight armed miscreants in the periphery areas before arrival of Central forces and some of them even lost their lives and many injured in the gun-fight.

He then appealed to public not to have negative view on personnel of state force.

The chief minister further appealed to public to obey the rule of law like seeking permission from Deputy Commissioners concerned for carrying out protests and rallies.

He continued that misunderstanding and confrontation between protesters and security forces could be avoided if rules are followed strictly.

The chief minister also condoled the demise of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup president Ima Memchoubi, who breathed her last on Sunday.

MAHUD minister Yumnam Khemchand, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, PHE minister Leishangthem Susindro, transport minister Khasim Vashum, Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan, Wabagai MLA Dr Usham Deven, Andro MLA Thounaojam Shyamkumar and Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti also attended the press conference.

Comment