Northeast Desk, 19th December: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh attributed the ongoing ethnic strife in the northeastern state to the influence of drug mafias and illegal immigrants, holding them responsible for the months-long conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Singh asserted that the root cause of the crisis was the failure of the previous government to secure the state’s borders, resulting in significant casualties and displacements. Speaking at Lilong in Thoubal district, he emphasized that the conflict was not between Meiteis and Kukis but between the government and illegal immigrants.
Singh, expressing concern for the situation, revealed his communication with Kuki friends who felt helpless due to intimidation by guns, highlighting the impact on the affected communities. He acknowledged the influx of more than 6,000 immigrants into Kamjong district from Myanmar, a consequence of the ongoing conflict in the neighboring country. The chief minister affirmed that the government was not against the Chin Kuki but aimed to identify illegal immigrants through biometric details, ensuring their departure when the situation in Myanmar improves.
Addressing the need to curb illegal immigration, Singh defended the stance, questioning the consequences of allowing continuous influx and the eventual suppression of the indigenous populace. He criticized the previous government for its failure to enforce laws effectively, pointing out that proper border control measures could have averted the crisis. Singh called upon security forces to take strict action against illegal possession of weapons, emphasizing the potential for misunderstandings and unwanted incidents if immediate measures were not implemented.
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