N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, told ANI that external forces or elements could be behind the ethnic violence that has ravaged the state for two months.
“Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar. China is also nearby. As much as 398 km of our borders are porous and unguarded. There are security forces deployed on our frontiers, but even a robust and extensive security deployment can’t cover such a vast area,” he said.
Ethnic violence between the majority Meitei tribes and minority Kuki-Zo tribes, which broke out on May 3, have claimed more than 100 lives in Manipur.
“However, going by what’s happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm [if foreign elements have a hand behind the Manipur violence]…it seems pre-planned but the reason is not clear,” Biren Singh added.
Biren Singh decided to continue as Manipur Chief Minister after a dramatic turn of events on June 30, when supporters circled his convoy and tore his resignation letter, which the BJP leader was going to give to Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
Singh ensured the Kuki-Zo tribal people, who have opposed the Chief Minister’s administration’s handling of the violence, that the government is doing everything to contain the violence.
Biren Singh said, “We are making all efforts, at all levels, to restore peace. A few hours ago, I spoke with our Kuki brothers and sisters over the telephone that let’s forgive and forget; reconcile and live together like we always have.
“The government has only tried to screen the people coming from outside in the wake of the Myanmar turmoil and send them back once the situation improves. Our priority is to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.”
He also rubbished the claims for separate administrations that have been raised by Kuki-Zo tribal members from all over the state. The claims have been backed by the Mizoram BJP MLAs.
“We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All of these 34 tribes have to live together. We just have to be careful that not many people from outside come and settle here. We have to ensure that there is no demographic imbalance. As the CM, I promise that I won’t allow Manipur to break up and neither will there be a separate administrative authority in the state. I am prepared to make sacrifices to keep everyone together,” Biren Singh said.
Biren Singh also hit back at Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur. The Congress leader visited the violence-hit state on June 29 and met with those affected by the clashes. The visit was appreciated by A Sharda Devi, the BJP state president in Manipur.
However, Biren Singh was less impressed, and said, “We can’t stop anyone. But the timing – it has been 40 days. Why did he not come earlier? He is a Congress leader but in what capacity was he making the visit? I don’t think the timing was right. He seemed to have come with a political agenda. He came and then there was an incident in the market and BJP office was attacked. Did he come for the situation in the state or for political mileage? I don’t support the manner in which he came.|
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