Biren cites historical conflicts, illegal migration for crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 29 2024: In a 44-minute long exclusive interview with News 9 Live, chief minister N Biren delved into the origins of the ongoing crisis in the state, which he attributed to historical conflicts and the influx of illegal migrants.

He also highlighted the state's achievements in its war on drugs.

Reflecting on past events, CM Biren pointed out that the present crisis is tied to the 2008 Suspension of Operations (SoO) process with Kuki militants, who had demanded a separate homeland.

"As a cabinet minister at that time, I objected to any demand for a separate state or homeland within Manipur," asserted Biren, and pointed to influx of illegal migrants from Myanmar as the core issue exacerbating the crisis.

He recounted that since the 1962 military coup in Burma (now Myanmar), many people have entered and settled in Manipur, particularly in districts dominated by the Kuki community.

The unguarded 400-kilometre border with Myanmar and the free movement regime allowed undocumented migration, which has alarmed the indigenous population.

Discussing the state's war on drugs, CM Biren emphasised the significant progress made since launch of the campaign in 2018.Despite delays due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the government has brought down areas under poppy cultivation by 60 per cent according to satellite reports and seized drugs worth approximately Rs 60,000 crore, apart from 18,000 hectares of poppy plantations destroyed.

Biren highlighted significant public involvement in the initiative.

"People have come out against poppy plantations," he said, noting that civil societies and NGOs in various regions, including Kuki and Naga areas, actively participated in destroying poppy plants.

He praised the efforts of Kuki organisations that have directed communities to cease drug related activities and expressed hope that such collective efforts would soon lead to resolution of the drug problem.

He praised the recent positive development from the Kuki militant groups, particularly the United People's Front (UPF) and the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), instructing village chiefs and civil societies to cease all drug trafficking activities.

Addressing the broader implications of the drug issue, Biren noted that Manipur is being used as the corridor for drug trafficking from Myanmar into India, affecting states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

'It kills our youth and spoils their lives," Biren stated, emphasising the national security threat posed by drug smuggling.

He also hinted at potential foreign involvement, mentioning the possibility of traffickers acting as agents for external entities.

When asked about potential external influences, the CM hinted at the possibility of China's involvement, stating, "I cannot say, but the possibility is there, along with the western country".

He then emphasised the importance of the Act East Policy, which aims to enhance connectivity and economic ties with Southeast Asia.

Despite the ongoing issues, Biren expressed optimism about future connectivity projects, such as the Kaladan project, which aims to link Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal, Moreh, Tamu, and Thailand.

CM Biren also addressed concerns about illegal immigration altering the demographic balance in Manipur, pointing out that in 1972, the Kuki community had only six elected members in the state assembly compared to the 10 at present.

"The population is increasing day by day," Biren remarked, noting alarming growth rates in certain districts.

He said indigenous communities constitute a small population and are threatened by the influx of illegal migrants.

Biren defined indigenous people as those who have lived in the region since time immemorial, including various Naga tribes and the Meeteis.

He explained that the State government had included settled Chin-Kuki communities in the list of indigenous people to promote harmony.

However, he clarified that the core issue lies with illegal migrants involved in drug trafficking and forest destruction, not with the indigenous Kuki population.

Addressing accusations that the government is targeting the Kuki community, the CM clarified that the anti-drug operations are aimed at drug peddlers across all communities.

"All Kukis are not peddlers," he said, emphasising that drug traffickers exist in various communities, including Muslims and Nagas.

He noted that the majority of poppy plantations were found in Kuki-dominated areas, but civil society organisations in those areas have also actively destroyed the plantations.

He blamed politically vested interests for turning the anti-drug campaign into a communal issue.

When asked about the significance of Manipur's territorial integrity, Biren affirmed its centrality: "Why not? Our forefathers fought hard for this state for over 2000 years.

More than 100 kings sacrificed their lives to maintain stability and integrity.

We merged with India in 1949, and now we are an Indian state with defined boundaries and population.

Our territorial boundaries cannot be altered without the consent of the people of Manipur.

That's the core issue.

The people demand it, except for a few with separatist mind-sets.

Both the government and the people are united on this front".

Biren also highlighted the potential consequences of unchecked immigration: "If we don't act now, Manipur could turn into another Assam in terms of massive immigrant influx.

We started the process of identifying illegal migrants in January 2023, but it might already be too late.

If we don't act today, we have no future.

The number of MLAs has already increased from 6 to 10.Who knows how many it could be in 10-15 years? Satellite mapping shows the emergence of around 996 new villages in certain areas over the last 10-15 years".

Reflecting on the violence that stunned the nation, CM Biren explained, "All the initiatives were taken by the government.

We formed a cabinet subcommittee for identifying illegal migrants, led by Kuki MLA Letpao Haokip, with representatives from the Nagas and the Meeteis demonstrating inclusiveness.

Unfortunately, instead of targeting me and the government, the violence targeted innocent Meeteis, leading to retaliation against innocent Kukis.

The actual fight was against illegal migrants, not the Kukis, Meiteis, or anyone else".

Biren lamented the political motivations behind the violence: "The government conducted biometrics, eye scanning, and deportation of illegal migrants.

The war on drugs and the de struction of poppy plantations were initiated by my government, not by any specific community.

Some individuals have politically instigated and misled the younger generation.

The actual fight was against illegal migrants, not against the Kukis, the party, or any community, but only those who came illegally".

When asked about working on a timeline, CM Biren acknowledged the urgency: "A lot of time has passed, and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge.

We need to act swiftly and decisively to address these issues.

The future of Manipur depends on our ability to resolve these challenges effectively" .

Biren said, "I might be the most disappointed Chief Minister in India because, before I came as a CM under Prime Minister Modi ji in 2017, Manipur faced fake encounters, thousands of people were killed, bandhs, blockades, and people couldn't travel after 5 PM.

Highways were blocked, petrol cost 200 rupees per litre.

After 2017, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, we saw growth and development.

We hosted international tournaments, G20 meetings, and even Femina Miss India.

But now, my top priority is to restore normalcy as before in the state of Manipur".

Biren explained his initiatives to engage with the Kuki community and said that he had formed many committees, both secretly and openly, sent them to meet Kuki CSO leaders.

They interacted and started discussions.

"I also sent MLAs to Delhi to meet Kuki MLAs.

They met in Guwahati and Delhi, and I, too, went to Guwahati to meet some families and civil society members.

Recently, they declared peace in Jiribam, and I am trying to cover other communities as well.

We included old residents, not migrants or immigrants, in our peace initiatives," he added.

Regarding the loss of both Lok Sabha seats, Biren called it unfortunate, but said that BJP is gaining more percentage than before.

"Earlier in 2019, we got 2,51,000 votes, but this time, we polled 2,64,000.Our percentage is increasing, but the emotional intensity in Manipur is high because around 100-200 people have been killed, and many are displaced in relief camps.

People were desperate, thinking militants should be dealt with harshly, but as a government, it took time to identify illegal migrants and settlers.

These are the difficulties in our operations, but people's desperation spread widely, which the opposition took advantage of".

On the attendance of Kuki MLAs in the upcoming budget session, the CM said that he wrote personal letters inviting them to the assembly.

He also welcomed one positive reciprocation from the Kuki Inpi, which came out in the media saying they are ready to accept the NRC.

Commenting on existing distrust between the Meetei and Kuki communities, particularly in relation to the Assam Rifles and the state commandos, Biren pointed out that the state commandos, although a state force, are perceived by some agencies and the Chin-Kuki community as biased towards the Meetei, leading to disputes and misunderstandings.

He acknowledged the commendable efforts of Assam Rifles, but emphasised that it is unfair to blame the entire organisation for the actions of a few individuals.

He noted that, similarly, the Manipur police might have some personnel with bad intentions, but this does not reflect the entire force.

On the subject of potential solutions, Biren highlighted the need for better coordination among security forces and understanding the people's sentiments.

He confirmed that combing operations to retrieve looted weapons were ongoing, with efforts being made to operate in both hill and valley areas simultaneously.

When asked about the increasing vocal presence of CSOs compared to political leaders, Biren attributed this to the prevailing situation.

He noted that many militants were backing these civil society groups, influencing their actions.

He expressed his belief that once the issue of illegal arms holders is resolved, the influence of these militant-backed CSOs will diminish.

Regarding Arambai Tenggol, Biren explained that it was initially formed as a cultural organisation but had become involved in protecting the Meetei community amid the recent tensions.

He expressed confidence that with the restoration of normalcy, such groups would reintegrate into the mainstream.

He also addressed the broader question of Manipuri identity, emphasising the state's multi-ethnic composition.

He highlighted that Manipur, despite being a small state, boasts 34 recognised tribes and languages, making it a unique and culturally rich region.

He mentioned the recent establishment of an ethnic park, supported by the Prime Minister, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the state's various tribes.

When asked if he had ever considered resigning from his position, the CM acknowledged that the pressure and high expectations from the public had once prompted him to contemplate resignation.

However, he revealed that his resignation was not accepted at that time due to strong opposition from "some mothers, sisters, and the people" .

Despite the intense pressure, he chose to stay on, feeling that it was necessary to continue his work for the people.

The CM also expressed his gratitude for the political support he has received.

He praised PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, describing them as instrumental in guiding and monitoring the situation in Manipur.

He believed that their leadership is helping Manipur restore peace and move towards development.

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