Manipur CM Biren Singh Criticizes Mizoram CM's Participation In Pro-Kuki Rally

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his strong disapproval of Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga's participation in a rally held in Aizawl to show support for the Kuki minority community in violence-stricken Manipur.

In an interview with News18, Biren Singh said that he had conveyed his disappointment to a Mizoram minister, stating that it was unfortunate for a Chief Minister of one state to interfere in the affairs of another state.

Biren Singh emphasized the importance of respecting the protocol and not interfering in or commenting on the matters of other states without the consent of the respective Chief Ministers.

He also acknowledged Zoramthanga as a senior figure but criticized his involvement in the rally, stating that it went against ethical boundaries.

The protest rally in Aizawl saw the participation of Zoramthanga, Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia, ministers, MLAs, and numerous common people from different political affiliations. The peaceful demonstration aimed to denounce the violence occurring in the neighboring state and featured placards and posters expressing solidarity.

During the rally, the protesters adopted resolutions urging the central government to compensate the victims of the ethnic clash and ensure stringent punishment for those involved in the deplorable act of parading two women naked.

Mizos in Mizoram have ethnic connections with the Kukis in Manipur, the Kuki-Chins in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, and the Chins in Myanmar. Together, they are known as Zos.

When asked about the issue of civilians constructing bunkers and setting up check-posts, Singh stated that the central and state forces have already destroyed many bunkers.

Regarding the current situation in the state, the Chief Minister expressed that Manipur is progressing towards peace and normalcy.

Reportedly, the situation in Manipur is gradually improving, with no major incidents occurring in the past 10-20 days. Despite certain groups attempting to create unrest, both the people and the government are working towards restoring normalcy.

Singh added that they had already achieved about 80-90% normalcy, and with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other central leaders, he was actively engaged in reconciliation talks with various communities.

A disturbing video went viral on May 4, depicting the horrifying act of two women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. The incident once again brought national attention to the ongoing violence in the region, which has claimed the lives of over 160 people and left hundreds injured in the past three months.

The violence initially erupted on May 3, following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

This event had served as a catalyst for the escalating tensions and subsequent outbreak of violence.

The population of Manipur consists of different communities, with the Meiteis comprising approximately 53% and primarily residing in the Imphal Valley.

The remaining 40% consists of various tribal groups such as Nagas and Kukis, who predominantly inhabit the hill districts.