'My Popularity Down, Not BJP's', Says Manipur CM But Rejects Idea Of Resigning Over Ethnic Clashes

The chief minister of the violence-hit state slammed the Opposition for "misleading people".

"BJP's popularity has not gone down, my popularity has gone down. There's emotion... like despite being the CM, Biren Singh is not responding to the violence... but retaliating won't work. Solution will come through talks. BJP's popularity is still there," Manipur CM N Biren Singh said in an interview with news agency PTI.

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"You can see the photos, videos of 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, Manipur might be the best one in the entire Northeast. I can say this proudly. The opposition has won two seats by misleading the people... by abusing the PM, CM, Amit Shah ji. Now, we have started the ground work and people have started realising the facts," Manipur CM N Biren Singh added.

"Why should I resign? Have I stolen anything? Is there a scandal against me? Have I worked against the nation or state? I have saved the state from illegal migration, illegal poppy cultivation. My job is to protect Manipur and people of Manipur. There is no question [of resigning],” Manipur CM Biren Singh said while responding to questions on the ethnic violence in his state.

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh also rejected the idea of separate Kuki administration in the hills.

Manipur Violence

Manipur has been severely hit by ethnic violence that has been going on since May last year and has killed over 200 people so far.

The violence erupted on May 3 last year after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. At the same time, tribals, which include Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent and reside mostly in the hill districts.

The chief minister in the interview warned pro-Meitei militias to back off, saying he won't tolerate anti-national, communal acts.

Emphasising that dialogue is the only way, not violence, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said he is confident of peace and reconciliation in six months tops.

Manipur CM Biren Singh also told that he has named emissary to bring reconciliation between Kukis and Meiteis.

Asked what kind of a deadline he has fixed for himself to restore peace, Singh indicated that along with dialogue, the Central government's involvement -- either through the home ministry or other agencies -- will be critical in bringing peace.

“I don't think it will stretch long. Within 5-6 months peace should return. It is our hope and I am also confident,” said Singh, who is a Meitei and remains largely mistrusted by the Kukis.

Manupur CM Warns Pro-Meitei Militants

The chief minister made it clear that he will not tolerate pro-Meitei militant outfits, such as Arambai Tengoll, which has openly advocated violence against Kukis.

“I told them you will not do any anti-national or communal act. You have to support the government. There should be no communal word from you. I gave clear warning ‘you will not say anything.’ Not one word has come from their mouth in 5 months. I will not let them be extremist, anti-national,” he said.

Biren Singh, who is blamed by Kukis for fanning violence against them, described Arambai Tengol as a cultural outfit which was forced to take up arms to protect the Meiteis when violence first erupted due to initial absence of central and state police forces to deal.

“Manipur is a small state, hardworking state. Our forefathers have a history of 2000 years. Many sacrifices were made to make this state. This state can’t be broken or have a separate administration. We will not allow this,” Biren Singh said.