Biren Singh Responds to Congress Criticism Over Manipur Crisis

The ongoing unrest in Manipur has once again sparked a political war of words, with Chief Minister Biren Singh responding sharply to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from the violence-hit state. The exchange highlights the deep political divide over the handling of the crisis, which has claimed over 180 lives since May 2023.

While addressing the media on the last day of 2024, Chief Minister Biren Singh reflected on the turmoil that has gripped Manipur for over a year. He expressed regret for the suffering endured by the people and apologized for the ongoing challenges, while also calling for unity and reconciliation in the state.

The Political Exchange: Congress vs. Biren Singh

Jairam Ramesh’s Criticism

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur since the violence erupted in May 2023. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of neglecting the state, stating:

“Why can’t the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4th, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect.”

Biren Singh’s Response

Chief Minister Biren Singh did not hold back in his rebuttal. He countered Ramesh’s remarks by pointing to the Congress party’s historical role in the region’s challenges. Singh accused the Congress of creating the conditions that led to the current turmoil, citing past policies such as the settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with Myanmar-based militants during P. Chidambaram’s tenure as Home Minister.

In a detailed response, Singh said:

“Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state.”

Singh also reminded Ramesh of the ethnic violence that occurred during Congress-led governments, including the Naga-Kuki clashes of 1992-1993, which claimed over 1,300 lives and displaced thousands. He questioned why former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and I.K. Gujral did not visit Manipur during those crises to apologize or address the people.

Biren Singh’s Apology and Call for Unity

During his address, Chief Minister Biren Singh acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by the violence in Manipur over the past year. He described 2024 as an “unfortunate year” for the state and expressed hope for peace and normalcy in 2025.

“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what’s happening till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologize. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months’ progress towards peace, I believe by 2025, normalcy will be restored in the state.”

Singh also appealed to all communities in Manipur to move forward and work together for a peaceful and prosperous future:

“Whatever happened has happened. You have to forgive and forget the past mistakes, and we have to start a new life towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.”

The Root of the Manipur Crisis

The unrest in Manipur began in May 2023, triggered by the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the opposition from tribal Kuki groups. The violence has since escalated, leading to over 180 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

The conflict has exposed deep ethnic divisions in the state, with both communities accusing each other of atrocities. The government’s efforts to restore peace have been criticized by opposition parties, who claim that the response has been inadequate.

Historical Context: Congress and Past Clashes

Biren Singh’s response to Jairam Ramesh also included a historical perspective on ethnic violence in Manipur during Congress-led governments.

Naga-Kuki Clashes (1992-1993)

• The Naga-Kuki clashes were one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in Northeast India, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people and the displacement of thousands.
• Singh pointed out that during this period, P.V. Narasimha Rao, who was Prime Minister and Congress President, did not visit Manipur to address the crisis or apologize to the people.

Kuki-Paite Clashes (1997-1998)

• The Kuki-Paite clashes claimed around 350 lives and caused widespread displacement.
• Singh noted that during this period, I.K. Gujral was Prime Minister, and he too did not visit Manipur to offer support or condolences.

Singh accused the Congress of politicizing the current crisis instead of addressing the core issues affecting the state.

Conclusion

The exchange between Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Chief Minister Biren Singh underscores the political tensions surrounding the Manipur crisis. While Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Modi’s absence from the state, Singh defended the government’s efforts and pointed to Congress’s historical failures in addressing similar conflicts.

As Manipur continues to grapple with the aftermath of violence, Singh’s apology and call for unity offer a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. However, the road to peace will require sustained efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, opposition, and local communities. The focus must shift from political blame games to addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for Manipur.

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