Mizo National Front Calls for Resignation of Manipur CM Over Ethnic Conflict Failure

Aizawl/Imphal, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Mizo National Front (MNF), a party allied with the BJP, has called for the resignation of Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, stating that he has completely failed to address the ongoing ethnic strife that has lasted more than 18 months.

MNF General Secretary V.L. Krosehnehzova expressed that the pain experienced by the Zofate community due to the ethnic violence has escalated to unbearable levels.

He further noted that the Chief Minister's “inaction and abuse of authority” have only aggravated the crisis, rendering his position in office both untenable and disgraceful.

The MNF criticized Biren Singh's leadership for not only failing to resolve the ongoing crisis but also for prolonging the suffering of innocent individuals. MNF is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The party has urged the Central government to take immediate and decisive measures to resolve this crisis effectively, allowing the people of Manipur to reclaim their democratic rights and dignity.

As of November 22, under Biren Singh's administration, the violence has led to the loss of 219 lives among their ethnic kin, the destruction of nearly 360 churches, and left many others injured.

More than 7,000 homes have been burned, with 200 villages obliterated. Over 41,425 individuals have been displaced, forced to exist as refugees within their own nation. Such acts of violence necessitate not only leadership but a relentless pursuit of justice and restoration, remarked the MNF.

The MNF, which has governed Mizoram for many years and until last November, pointed out that in a country celebrated as the world's largest democracy, the ongoing erosion of human rights and attacks on places of worship contradict the core values of justice and secularism.

The party stated that an elected government remaining passive in the face of such distress constitutes a disgrace to democracy and is a source of global shame.

The MNF recalled that the former government led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga had demonstrated commendable leadership by providing significant support to those displaced.

Refugees from Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have received food, shelter, and education in Mizoram. Currently, MNF leaders and MLAs have traveled to Manipur to provide direct assistance to the tribal population.

“We urge all Zofate individuals to unite and protect the lives and futures of our people. This is a moment for resilience, compassion, and unwavering solidarity. We encourage the people of Mizoram to continue their efforts, both individually and through organizations, to offer support with renewed enthusiasm,” the MNF stated.

The MNF General Secretary emphasized that this crisis highlights the necessity for fearless representation.

“We applaud K. Vanlalvena, a Member of the Rajya Sabha from Mizoram, for bravely addressing this issue in Parliamentary discussions, amplifying the Zofate community's call for justice.

The contributions of churches, voluntary organizations, and student unions in Mizoram in assisting displaced Zofate individuals are profoundly appreciated. Their relentless efforts to provide food, shelter, and support for those escaping violence truly reflect the spirit of humanity and the unbreakable bond of the Zofate community,” the MNF remarked.

Approximately 7,800 refugees from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community from Manipur have sought refuge in various districts of Mizoram since the ethnic violence erupted in the neighboring state in May of the previous year.

The refugees from Manipur belong to the Kuki-Zo-Chin-Hmar-Bawm tribal community, sharing ethnic, traditional, cultural, and linguistic ties with the Mizos of Mizoram.