Nongthombam Biren Singh, former footballer, BSF soldier and journalist, became the BJP’s choice of Chief Minister to rule the coalition government in a conflict ridden state of Manipur. Within first 50 days of his tenure, end of long-standing blockade, initiating the dialogue process with Nagas and resolution of Chochanpur issue of tribal agitation are the key achievement to his credit. At his office in Imphal, amidst hectic parlance, he took out time to speak to Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser, on issues and challenges pertaining to Manipur. Excerpts:
First of all, congratulations for becoming Chief Minister of Manipur. How do you see the first 50 days of your government?
See, throughout our election campaign we assured the people of Manipur that what the Congress could not achieve in 15 years, we will do in 15 months. Honourable Prime Minister and Party President also reiterated this in the rallies. Keeping that in mind we have started working from day one. The biggest challenge has been how to build bridges among various communities after the years of divisive politics that has been nurtured by the Congress.
As a first priority we addressed the issue of economic blockade that was going on for more than 130 days. It had cut off the lifeline of Manipur that pass through Naga villages, National Highways 2 and 37, along the 100-km Imphal-Moreh Road on the Trans-Asian Highway No 1.When we took up this as a mission, there was a complete absence of trust, between the Government and the three main communities that is Nagas, Meiteis and Kukis. Fortunately, the credibility of Honourable Prime Minister came to our rescue. We told the leaders of United Naga Council (UNC) that now we are working under the banner of BJP for ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. After rounds of negotiations within first three days, they agreed for lifting of the blockade. This was a great relief for the common man in Manipur.
Was it unconditional or you accepted some of their demands?
What I told them was until human life is there, there will be some issues and we should discuss all of them. It does not mean, we should lose the basic charm of living. I gave a call for the future of children and youth, their education and aspirations and finally they were convinced. The only concession we gave was the release of 2 leaders who were arrested during the agitation. Without succumbing to the pressures, it was a win-win situation for all the stakeholders.
What happened after that was more heartening. Ukhrul town has been the epicentre of NSCN (IM). I was received there with a grand welcome ceremony. Overwhelmed with their trust and love, I also reciprocated by mingling with the people without a security cover and addressing them without the bulletproof cover. I told them that I am here in search of my brothers, historically and culturally that is a fact. I conveyed them that human approach through development is our politics. I assured them of equal treatment and respect for all. People from valley and hills are really happy with this development.
Do you think Resolution of Churachadrapur issue, where tribals were agitating from 2015 is also a landmark achievement?
It was a big-big challenge. The tribal issue was boiling for more than 1000 days. The 9 dead bodies have been awaiting burial for 600days. The protests there were led by the Joint Action Committee Against the Anti-Tribal Bill (JACAATB) l, comprising tribals living in Churachandpur. For me converting the promises made by the Prime Minister during the campaign was the guiding force.
Initially I started negotiations by sending feelers, which were not received very positively. In a significant political development almost all members of Autonomous District Councils in tribal dominated areas joined the BJP seeing our approach to the issues. Still some of the JAC members were reluctant. Simultaneously, I called the DGP of the region and asked him to legally proceed for the burial of bodies of the deceased as dead bodies cannot be left like that. We also called a meeting of unified command in case of eventuality.
Luckily, I got a message to send a written letter for dialogue. I went ahead. In the dialogue, instead of the original issue of tribal bill, they started demanding for a separate district. I assured them that the committee is constituted for the purpose and we will definitely consider their demand. We agreed for compensation for all material and human losses. BJP’s national secretary Shri Ram Madhav was instrumental in this process. Eventually we reached the agreement without compromising on key issues.
The recent visit of Nagaland Chief Minister is also historic and unprecedented. Is it a part of the process you have initiated?
Initially, I did not miss a single opportunity to meet the stakeholders. Wherever I went, I was received with great enthusiasm, first in Ukhrul, then in Kampupi and also in a seminar organised by Hills Journalist Association. Then, once for some problem related to breakdown of a vehicle, I straightaway called up the Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu. After greetings, I offered him to visit Kohima by road and he also welcomed the initiative. Next day, the Nagaland Post, prominent newspaper of the State declared that Biren is visiting Kohima and Nagaland would give a red carpet welcome. The same news reached Manipur also. It helped in normalising atmosphere between the two states.
One day suddenly, he gave a call and told that he would be coming to Imphal. I also said we will give you a red carpet welcome and Manipuri people literally did that. I requested him to give me a chance and allow me to understand the concerns of Nagas in Manipur to overcome the mistrust. He also said that Meiteis are elders to other communities in the Northeast and they are primarily responsible for creating harmony in the region. We mutually agreed to build bus stands for state transport in each other’s areas. I am also planning to visit Nagaland soon that too by road.
All allies are also cooperating in the process. People have given us the mandate to change the system. We are trying to do the same.
Your political journey is long and dramatic, from a Democratic Revolutionary Peoples Party to BJP via Congress. Why did you choose BJP and are you comfortable in the working culture of the party?
Territorial integrity and collective development of all have been my agenda. When I started my political journey soon I realised that a small party will not allow me to work for the masses, so decided to go along with the Congress. There also I tried to do my bit as a spokesperson or as a minister. The revival of ancient cultural linkages and addressing the issues of alienation through dialogue were my priorities. The Congress party benefitted out of it but later unfortunately sidelined me. The nepotism promoted by the erstwhile Chief Minister did not allow me to pursue my mission of Strong Manipur for United India. Manipuri Hindus are getting minority in their own State has been another grave concern for me. To take this mission forward, I joined BJP. Sincerely speaking, the kind of
confidence and respect BJP has given to me in five months of joining; Congress did not give even in ten years. I will try to repay by carrying forward the agenda for change and development till the last breath.
You have also been a journalist for a long period. In Manipur media is working under the pressure of underground armed groups and national media does not bother to carry any positive news from Manipur. What would be the
strategy to address this issue?
This is really a dilemma. From Manipur also most of the news going out is negative. As a senior and one among them, I can communicate with them, I am insisting on innovation, ideas and economic and developmental issues through media. Tourism and sports are two biggest potential areas for North-east in general and for Manipur, in particular. I am concentrating on both. Siroy Lily is the unique flower in the world, found only in Manipur, we are organising a 5 days national festival on the same with Rs 2 crore budget.
You have also been a sportsperson. Manipur is also a hub of sports like Boxing and Football. Is there any plan to promote this area?
See already centre has allotted the one and only sports university to Manipur. Earlier government did not take much of the interest. On priority basis I have allocated the land for the same. Meanwhile we have started with the training facility at Khuman Lampak sports complex. I am also going to involve our youth in Cricket. We are initiating with Regional Football Academy. We are planning to incentivise sports at the State level.
North-east is considered as corridor to ASEAN. Any plans for international cooperation to
promote trade and business?
Manipur is the classic bridge between India and Southeast Asian countries. What it lacks is exposure. We need to bridge that by establishing communication channels and projecting Manipur as a potential hub for development. We are planning to invite think-tanks and experts to create this kind of atmosphere.
The issues related to insurgency and so-called underground groups are real and major impediment. Any roadmap to address this?
I firmly believe that unless we put timeframe to resolution of dialogue we cannot address this issue. We are indirectly giving them time to recruit new militants. I conveyed this to the national leadership at the time of joining only. We will eventually invite the people who are sitting outside India and come up with comprehensive surrender policy with commitments from both the sides. The Union Government will also have to play a role in it. Once we make combined efforts, I am sure soon we will eradicate this menace.
There is issue of corruption and parallel economy also.
Absolutely! Most of the money that is going to the militants is via parallel routes. We have taken few steps to curb that. The misuse of Public Distribution System is under check through labelling of food items under the act. So it cannot be sold in the open market now. All payments in the Government contracts are being made through digital payments only. Yesterday only we have busted a network of criminals selling adulterated petrol in the State and confiscated thousands of litres of oil. These steps will definitely give a clear message of change to the people.
The NDA and the BJP are gaining ground in the North-east. Is it just going with the power phenomenon or there is a genuine change on the ground?
See the people have seen the divisionist ideologies all over; BJP has come forward with an integrationist thought. The future of North-east lies in that. People are now realising that they are gaining strength through unity, integrity and security. They have strong faith in the vision of the Prime Minister. I am sure this process will change the future of Northeast and in turn, of India.
