Ex-Manipur CM Critiques P.A. Sangma's Ethnic Division Proposal

Imphal, March 31 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Manipur and prominent BJP figure, N. Biren Singh, asserted on Monday that P.A. Sangma, a former Union Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker, promoted a perilous notion of fragmenting the northeast into smaller states based on ethnic identities. He emphasized that similar actions are currently being taken to meddle in Manipur's internal matters to create instability.

In a message shared on his X account, Singh remarked, "The late P.A. Sangma once endorsed the division of the northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a hazardous concept that jeopardized the integrity of our nation. We are now witnessing comparable efforts to intrude upon Manipur's internal affairs and disrupt the state. The situation in Manipur is distinctive. This state is home to numerous small, vulnerable indigenous communities whose protection has led to the establishment of the Inner Line Permit (ILP)," he stated.

The former Chief Minister further tagged Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, adding, "After years of efforts to protect indigenous populations, we have made significant strides such as the implementation of the ILP, which is a hard-earned success. Shri Conrad K. Sangma should be aware that the violence was not spontaneous but was incited by those who feel threatened and insecure by this progress. Is Mr. Conrad Sangma aware that Manipur has already begun border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is now rigorously monitored? Has he observed the concerning increase in unrecognized villages within Manipur’s borders?"

Conrad K. Sangma is the son of P.A. Sangma and the President of the National People's Party (NPP), which is at the forefront of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) led government.

Singh also included a historical video of P.A. Sangma's address in his post.

"It is essential to note that when Manipur was grappling with severe challenges, others chose not to meddle in our internal matters,” Biren Singh said.

He expressed that he expected the same courtesy in return, yet some opted for a different route, motivated by narrow interests rather than genuine concern. "Today, various factions across the northeast are starting to recognize the gravity of FMR, ILP, and border security. Manipur’s experiences should serve as a warning, not a stage for political theatrics. Manipur is home to 32 indigenous tribes whose identities, cultures, and ways of life are deserving of protection," Singh emphasized.

"Please avoid encouraging illegal immigration or interfering in issues that jeopardize this fragile balance," the former Chief Minister urged. He stated that the people of Manipur have suffered enough and prayed for peace, expressing, "Let us coexist peacefully."

Since February 13, Manipur has been under President's rule, just four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9 following over 23 months of ethnic violence while leading a BJP-led government for the second term.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, Singh had previously stated that the identification of illegal immigrants was initiated through appropriate constitutional measures after satellite mapping revealed a rise in unrecognized villages within the state.

A prior statement from the Manipur government indicated that from 1969 to the present, the number of villages in the districts of Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl increased by 893, from 731 to 1,624, which is a 122 percent surge. In the other hill districts of Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong, predominantly Naga areas, the increase during the same duration was a mere 49, from 527 to 576, representing only a 9 percent rise, according to the statement.