Manipur CM Biren Singh asked his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga not to interfere in internal affairs of another state

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, on July 26, asked the Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga not to interfere in the internal affairs of another State. This has come amid Mizoram expressing solidarity with the affected Kuki people of Manipur in the ongoing violence in the State. CM Singh said that the State Government would identify the illegal immigrants and drive them out of the State, and the Government would not succumb to any threat.

CM Singh, while participating in an event on the occasion of Kargil Diwas on July 26, said that the State Government is against illegal immigrants and not against the Kuki community, which has been residing in the State for a long time.

On July 25, the NGO coordination committee, a Christian body in Mizoram, organised several solidarity marches supporting the Kukis in Manipur. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, his deputy Tawnluia, several ministers, and many MLAs of the State cutting across party lines took part in the massive ‘Solidarity March’ in Aizawl on July 25. Manipur CM Biren Singh was severely criticised by various speakers in the rally in the presence of Mizoram CM Zoramthanga. CM Biren Singh reiterated that there could not be a “separate administration” and strongly condemned using abusive words against him in a solidarity rally held at Mizoram.

He further said that the crisis in the State is due to those who want to disturb peaceful coexistence in the State. “Problem started when the government started acting against the illegal drug cartel”. He said that the Government would not succumb to any threat and would protect the integrity of the State. CM Singh asked Mizoram CM Zoramthanga not to interfere in the internal affairs of another State. “The European Parliament resolution stating that there is a clash between the Hindus and Christians is devoid of understanding of ground reality.”

Asserting that it is the State and Union Government’s duty to protect the people’s lives, he appreciated the role of the security forces. “Government is making all efforts to bring back peace and restore normalcy in the State. Refrain from violence so that we can all live together again as before.” He added that the Government had started constructing prefabricated houses at different places to relocate those people displaced due to the current unrest.

It should be mentioned that, in the wake of violence, around 12000 people from the Kuki-Zo community have taken shelter in Mizoram from Manipur. The hill area of Manipur, adjoining Mizoram, is inhabited by the ‘Zo’ community, who share the same culture, religion, tradition and ancestry. Ten tribal MLAs (seven belonging to the ruling BJP) have demanded a separate administration (equivalent to a separate State) in Manipur. It is worth mentioning that the former militant group in Mizoram, Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA), has asked the Meiteis staying in the State of Mizoram to leave the State for their safety.

“In light of their safety, they will be responsible if something unpleasant occurs to the Meiteis.” the statement reads. Hundreds of Meiteis residing in Mizoram have left the State after the statement issued by the former militant group. Over a hundred people residing in Aizawl reached Cachar district in Assam on July 23 onwards. They are currently taking shelter in a relief camp provided by the Government of Assam. Hundreds of Meiteis, including students, have reached Manipur from Aizawl after a threat issued by the ex-militant group. Around 2000 Meitei are residing in Aizawl city. Mizoram University has over 30 Meitei faculty members. Many student bodies in Manipur met Governor Anusuya Ukey on July 26 and requested the safe evacuation of the students studying in various educational institutes in Mizoram.