New Delhi (Agency): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed concern over the many civil society organizations in the state speaking in “different voices,” complicating efforts to resolve the ongoing ethnic tensions. Singh made these remarks at a state-level celebration of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ programme, which aims to celebrate India’s unity and progress.
“We are at a very crucial stage now. Both the central and the state governments are confused about whom to talk to,” Singh said. He emphasized the importance of public opinion and assured that the government would never work against the people’s interests.
The ethnic divisions in Manipur involve the Meiteis and Kukis, among other communities. Each has its own set of civil bodies. For the Kukis, organizations like the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Committee On Tribal Unity (COTU), Kuki Inpi, and the Zomi Council represent their interests. On the other hand, bodies like the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), United Committee Manipur (UCM), and the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) represent the Meiteis.
Singh urged these organizations to “come together and take a concrete proposal showing their stand” to be conveyed to the central government. He added, “We must come together irrespective of our political and community affiliation and work together for the present and future generation to enable them to live with dignity.”
The chief minister also touched upon recent violence in the state. He condemned gun attacks on farmers in the Bishnupur district and revealed that security forces had arrested one person in connection with the attacks.
Since May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ led to heightened ethnic tensions, over 160 people have lost their lives, and several hundreds have been injured. The Meitei community, which accounts for about 53% of the state’s population, has been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, a move that has inflamed tensions with tribal communities like the Nagas and Kukis.
By asking for a unified voice, Chief Minister Singh aims to find a solution to the ethnic crisis that has troubled Manipur for months. Whether the civil society organizations will heed his call and help ease the tensions remains to be seen.
