International Hand Behind Manipur Violence? State CM Biren Singh Hints At Alarming Possibility

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh hinted on Saturday that external forces or elements may have played a role in the ethnic violence in the state, adding that it appears to be "pre-planned".

In an interview with news agency ANI, the Manipur CM said, "...Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar. China is also nearby".

"As much as 398 km of our borders are porous and unguarded. There are security forces deployed on our frontiers but even a robust and extensive security deployment can't cover such a vast area. However, going by what's happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm...it seems pre-planned but the reason is not clear," Singh said in response to a question about a possible international hand in the ongoing ethnic clashes in the state, ANI reported.

He further said that both the Centre and the state government are making every effort to restore peace in the state. The CM said that he also had a telephone conversation with "Kuki brothers and sisters" earlier on Saturday, and urged them to "Let's forgive and forget".

Singh further said that the state government has been screening individuals arriving from outside in light of the turmoil in Myanmar, and once the situation improves, they will be sent back.

"Our main priority is to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur," Singh said.

"We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All of these 34 tribes have to live together. We just have to be careful that not many people from outside come and settle here. We have to ensure that there is no demographic imbalance. As the CM, I promise that I won't allow Manipur to break up and neither will there be a separate administrative authority in the state. I am prepared to make sacrifices to keep everyone together," the CM said.

On 3 May, ethnic violence erupted in the Northeastern state following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).