Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday reiterated that there will be no separate administration in the state ‘till the last blood runs in his veins’ and that the state government was firm on identifying illegal immigrants and driving them out of the state.
The chief minister made the statement while addressing the gathering at the observation of Kargil Vijay held at the Manipur Secretariat (South Block) Conference Hall.
The chief minister reiterated the state government’s stance to identify illegal migrants and drive them out of the state while sending strong words to those demanding separate administration, saying that "not even an inch of land will be separated from Manipur till the last drop of blood runs in my veins".
"It is not an ethnic conflict, it is 20-30 years pre-plan war," said Biren.
“The current situation in Manipur is between the government and elements who want to disturb the peaceful coexistence in the state,” Biren said, adding that the tension erupted as the state government started acting against drug cartels.
The chief minister also stated that the state government was not against the Kuki community who had been residing together in the state since a long-time but against illegal migrants that have infiltrated into the state.
Biren also warned Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga “not to interfere in the state internal affairs of other state”, adding that “consequences will not be good”. The chief minister also condemned the use of abusive words against him in a solidarity rally held at Mizoram, which was also participated by the Mizoram chief minister, calling it a barbaric act.
Biren also condemned the resolution taken by the European Parliament regarding the crisis in Manipur and portraying it as a clash between the Hindus and Christians, without knowing the ground reality.
Biren also warned against those elements who are trying to distort the integrity of Manipur, saying the government would not succumb to any threat. Those outside elements come for snatching land of Manipur with crocodile tears and fabricating stories and this cannot take land of Manipur, he said.
“How long can we tolerate? We have been watching the economic blockade in Kangpokpi and the violence in Churachandpur. These places and Tengnoupal are all districts of Manipur. No one can do whatever they like. Never dream to disintegrate Manipur,” Biren said, questioning if some people consider the land of Manipur as a dowry.
Appreciating the contribution of the central security forces in the government’s initiative to restore peace, the chief minister stressed the need to work with more sincerity and transparency. He mentioned that protecting the lives of the people is the responsibility of the Central and the state government.
He said the government had been putting in every effort to restore peace and tranquillity in the state by holding talks with different stakeholders and representatives of different communities. He informed that the government had started constructing prefabricated houses at different places, to relocate those people displaced due to the current unrest. Steps had been taken up to ensure supply of essential items at relief camps, he added.
Regarding the viral video of women paraded naked, Biren said that due to the huge number of FIRs and present turmoil in Manipur, the state was unable to focus on a particular FIR. However, a search and investigation started but it was late.
Expressing sadness, he said the video was put out ahead of the Parliament session by some for power thus, selling Manipur and India. If the viral video had been out earlier, then Manipur would not have been put in such a shame, he added.
Mentioning that clashes among different communities in the state had occurred in the past, Biren said the communities had been residing together again as brothers after the problems were solved. As such, he appealed to all to cooperate in restoring peace, refraining from violence so that we all can live together again as before.
In connection with Kargil Vijay Diwas observation, Biren said the day is being observed on July 26 in India to celebrate India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War in 1999. He stressed the need to respect every soldier who had sacrificed their lives for the cause of the motherland.
Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, high ranking civil and police officials also attended the programme, among others.
