Amid the raging violence in his state, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday that the government can’t rule out the possibility of international organizations having a role in the Manipur violence. He pointed towards the porous border between Manipur and Myanmar and said it seems pre-planned. N Biren Singh also talked about other issues like Rahul Gandhi’s visit and why he decided to backtrack on the decision to resign from his position.
“…Manipur is a neighbor to Myanmar. There is China nearby. 398 km of our borders are porous and unguarded. There is an Indian security force but such a large area can’t be guarded…But going by what is happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm…It seems pre-planned but the reason is not open…” Manipur chief minister told news agency ANI in an interview.
Why Manipur CM thought of resigning?
On the question of why he considered resigning from his position, the Manipur chief minister said that he felt bad about the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah being burnt at a few places in the state and the state BJP office was also attacked.
“…Amid all this, I saw effigies of PM Modi and HM Amit Shah being burnt at a few places in the state, saw attempts of attack on BJP office. What the Centre did for Maipur and we did for Manipur in 5-6 years, I doubted if we have lost the trust of people. Thinking about this made me feel bad…The abusive language was used by a small group against me a few days back at a market. It didn’t feel good…So, I decided this,” N Biren Singh said.
“A leader can’t be a leader without public confidence. I feel good that after I stepped out (of the CM house), there was a huge crowd on the streets. They cried and showed me their trust in me. This proved my thoughts (of doubts) wrong) because the people still stood in my support. They told me not to resign. If they tell me to resign, I will; if they tell me not to, I won’t…” he added while explaining his decision to not resign.
Confused about the reason for violence: Manipur CM
Manipur’s chief minister is still not sure about the possible reasons for such violence in the state. N Biren Singh said his government didn’t act on the high court’s order regarding Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community and there was four week time.
“I am confused as well…I had said a consensus is important…High Court had asked us; my Government had still not recommended if the Meitei community should or should not be included as Scheduled Tribe. There was a four-week time. So, I don’t know the reason. It should be the organization, that organized a solidarity rally to not include Meitei, that should tell the world…They have the answer…” Manipur CM said.
Rahul Gandhi came with a political agenda: Manipur CM
“…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 & then there was an incident in the market & 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.”
Priority is to restore peace: Manipur CM
“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 Myanmar turmoil and send them back once the situation improves. Our priority is to restore peace & normalcy in Manipur…”
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Updated: 01 Jul 2023, 08:56 PM IST