Manipur Violence News: PM Modi and CM Biren Singh Strategize on Manipur Crisis Amidst Political Pressure

New Delhi: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh held a face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Delhi. The meeting, which took place amidst ongoing speculation, focused on the ethnic violence that severely affected the state last year. According to party sources, the discussions were crucial, given the context of the crisis.

Chief Minister Singh was in Delhi for a special conclave of Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. However, the brief closed-door session was specifically arranged to address the Centre and state’s strategies and plans for resolving the ongoing crisis. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh were also in attendance, highlighting the meeting's importance and exclusivity, as no other officials from either the Centre or the state were present.

The timing of the meeting is significant, as the BJP faces intense opposition pressure over the Prime Minister's perceived silence on the Manipur issue. The Lok Sabha recently witnessed disruptions during PM Modi’s speech on the Motion of Thanks, with opposition members raising slogans about Manipur for over two hours.

The BJP has been particularly attentive to Manipur after losing both Lok Sabha seats in the state to the Congress in the recent general elections. This meeting also coincided with a major administrative change: Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey was replaced, and Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was given additional charge of Manipur.

Over the past year, violent clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes collectively known as Kukis have resulted in over 220 deaths and the internal displacement of nearly 50,000 people. The Meiteis, who are generally categorized as the general category, are seeking inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category. Conversely, the Kukis, who share ethnic ties with the Chin State in Myanmar and Mizoram, are advocating for a separate administrative region within Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal resource distribution with the Meiteis.

The discussions between PM Modi and CM Singh are seen as a crucial step towards finding a solution to the deeply rooted ethnic tensions in Manipur, aiming to restore peace and stability in the state.