N. Biren Singh 'the architect of ethnic violence in Manipur,' say Opposition parties

The Opposition leaders from ten political parties in Manipur have labelled the Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh, as  ‘the architect of present ethnic violence in Manipur.'

The political parties submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India on June 19, stating that the chief minister is the architect of present ethnic violence in Manipur ‘because of his arbitrary actions’.

The memorandum stated that the ethnic clashes could have been averted had the Chief Minister taken preventive and prompt actions.

The political parties also opposed the demand for "Separate Administration" in Manipur by the Kuki-Zo MLAs and expressed their standpoint for unity and territorial integrity of Manipur. The political parties also demanded that a strict vigil by the security forces at all times must be maintained through the porous border of Manipur to prevent illegal migrants from Myanmar.

The memorandum stated that adequate security measures should be undertaken and strict adherence to ground rules of "Suspension of Operation" by Kuki militants should be ensured for strict immediate cessation of firing and that all armed groups must be disarmed immediately.

The political parties also stated that the chief minister while speaking as a chief guest on the observation of the Anti-Terrorism Day on the 21st May, 2023 at the Conference Hall of Old Secretariat, N. Biren Singh himself admitted publicly that there was security lapses and intelligence failure on the part of the state government. The leaders said N. Biren Singh should be held solely responsible for the present crisis.

The memorandum also alleged that the BJP's politics of divide and rule in Manipur has created the present crisis in the state and as such both the BJP governments, in the Centre and the state, were to be held responsible for having failed to contain the ongoing violence in the state.

It also stated that the Union Government and State Government were ambiguous about invoking Article 355 of the Constitution on Manipur.

"Stoic silence of Prime Minister over the ethnic violence which has claimed many lives and created havoc for thousands of citizens in Manipur sends a clear message of indifference to the people of Manipur," it alleged.

In spite of Amit Shah's assurances while interacting with some political parties, CSOs and public leaders of both communities on the 1st June in his visit to Manipur, peace is hard to come by, and violence continues resulting in more deaths, injuries and arson of houses and properties, it stated.

Stating the need for building confidence among the communities the memorandum stated that restoration of peace and harmony in the state is the most urgent requirement and reconciliation among all communities is the need of the hour

The grievances of each and every community must be heard and addressed sensitively, it added

The memorandum further stated that a realistic package of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood for the affected people may be prepared after collecting data from the state government and it should be borne by the Central Government.

The 10 political parties included Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Janata Dal(United) Manipur, Communist Party of India, Manipur, Communist Party of India(Marxist) Manipur, All India Trinamool Congress, Manipur, Aam Aadmi Party, Manipur, All India Forward Bloc Manipur, Nationalist Congress Party, Shiv Sena(UBT) and Revolutionary Socialist Party, Manipur.