'Contradictory': Kuki Body Responds to Biren Singh's 'In Charge of Hills' Claim
Imphal: A day after Lourembam Nganbi, a prominent Meira Paibi leader, told The Wire that former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh had privately claimed full control over law and order across both the valley and hill districts – denying that a direct role was played by Union home minister Amit Shah in overseeing the hills – the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has issued a sharp rebuttal.
In a press release dated April 9, the apex body of the Kuki tribes accused Biren Singh of making “misleading” and “contradictory” statements that not only deny earlier public records but also threaten the delicate administrative balance established during the peak of the ethnic violence in May 2023.
“Chief Minister Biren Singh’s recent claim to control both hills and valleys not only contradicts his earlier statements but also undermines the authority and effectiveness of the Union Home Ministry and the conscience of the general public,” the press note stated.
Nganbi had recounted a private conversation at Biren Singh’s residence in which he allegedly dismissed earlier claims that Amit Shah was overseeing the hill districts.
“He told me very clearly that he was the one managing the situation across the entire state. Not Amit Shah. The media misinterpreted his statement,” she said.
This contradicts what was officially stated in June 2023, In June 2023, facing growing criticism over the government’s response, the Chief Minister’s Office released a statement claiming that Shah would take the bulk of the responsibility for the hill districts while instructing chief minister N. Biren Singh to restore peace in the valley.
Calling Biren Singh’s recent assertion a “distortion of the truth”, the KIM reiterated that the division of responsibilities had been widely welcomed by the Kuki-Zo community – particularly after widespread disillusionment with the Manipur government’s handling of the ethnic conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023.
KIM emphasised that this administrative separation, along with the establishment of buffer zones between Kuki-Zo and Meitei territories had helped contain violence and prevent further escalation. The buffer zones, it said, remain a crucial measure overseen by the Union home ministry.
“Changing narratives at will reflect a disturbing pattern of shifting responsibility and avoiding accountability,” the release added, accusing Biren Singh of jeopardising fragile peace efforts.
Demand for separate administration
The press note reiterated the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for separation from the Manipur state government and for the formation of a Union Territory directly administered by the Union government.
“This is essential for safeguarding our rights, dignity, and future – and the Kuki-Zo people will continue to strive for it to the end,” it stated.
This article went live on April tenth, two thousand twenty five, at thirty-nine minutes past four in the afternoon.The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
