The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur involving the Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas is complex and confusing, says former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. In an exclusive interview, Singh emphasized the need for state police to lead law and order efforts, supported by Central forces, to effectively manage the situation.
State Police Should Lead Security Efforts
Singh explained that Central forces such as the CRPF’s CoBRAS face difficulties in identifying different ethnic groups due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with local distinctions. He stated, “We know because we can identify them by the way they speak the language… but security personnel coming from outside don’t know the difference.” He argued that empowering the state police to lead with Central support is the key to resolving the conflict.
However, the former chief minister expressed doubt that this approach can be implemented as the current state leadership “does not have the vision” or clarity to effectively address the crisis.
Political Changes and Recent Developments
After Singh resigned in February 2025, President’s Rule was imposed for a year. In February this year, Yumnam Khemchand Singh became the chief minister. On his own removal, Biren Singh remarked that the central BJP leaders likely prioritized peace and may have thought his presence was blamed for escalating tensions.
He recently met Governor Ajay Bhalla to suggest empowering the state police and conducting a crackdown on all armed militant groups regardless of ethnicity, aiming for a comprehensive security operation to flush out illegal arms.
Displacement and Path to Peace
The ethnic violence since May 2023 displaced over 60,000 people, mainly Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities. While President’s Rule brought a relative calm, violence resumed under the new government, with conflict now mainly between the Kukis and Nagas.
Singh advocated starting the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update only after restoring peace and conducting security operations. He believes identifying and deporting illegal immigrants will lead to peaceful coexistence among communities.
Clarifications on Allegations
Addressing accusations of being anti-Kuki and evicting them from land, Singh rejected these claims as misinterpretations by politicians with vested interests. He clarified that he only referred to illegal immigrants who entered from Myanmar and Bangladesh during periods of unrest, not the original Kuki population.
He underscored his efforts to protect reserved forests and combat poppy plantations, and insisted he acted within constitutional limits without evicting legitimate villages or communities.
Central Government Efforts and BJP Prospects
Singh noted that although the BJP government at the Centre has made welfare efforts for Manipur, the message has not reached the people due to internal divisions and factionalism within the state party ranks.
He highlighted key achievements like reinstating the Inner Line Permit in 2019, tightening cross-border movement controls with Myanmar, and advancing border fencing—efforts meant to protect the state and its people.
Singh stressed the importance of communicating these facts effectively to secure electoral support for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Position Within BJP and Future Outlook
Refuting claims of being sidelined, Singh recounted his transition from Congress to BJP driven by a desire to save Manipur. He asserted that solving the conflict depends on cooperation from communities, particularly the Kukis accepting the NRC and assisting in deporting illegal immigrants.
He remains hopeful about peace emerging in Manipur, provided the state retains its dignity and identity.
