Biren Singh drags P A Sangma's stand to corner Conrad over Manipur situation

'The late P A Sangma once advocated for dividing the Northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our Nation,' said Biren Singh.

Guwahati: It all began in November last year when Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma demanded the then Manipur CM N Biren Singh's resignation citing his failure to control the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. Conrad's National People's Party (NPP), still an ally of the NDA, had withdrawn support--a step which ultimately led to Biren Sing's resignation in February and subsequent promulgation of the President's Rule in the conflict-torn state.

Three months down the line, Singh on Monday dragged former Lok Sabha Speaker and Conrad's father P A Sangma's statement in the Parliament favouring creation of new states on ethnic lines, while accusing Meghalaya CM for interfering in Manipur's "internal matters" for "narrow interests" rather than genuine concern over the situation.

"The late P A Sangma once advocated for dividing the Northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our Nation. Today, we are seeing similar attempts to interfere in Manipur’s internal affairs to destabilise the state," Biren posted on X on Monday morning. Singh shared a video of P A Sangma favouring the demand for small states by ethnic groups such as the Bodos, Kukis and the Garos. Sangmas belong to the Garo community.

Claiming that the present crisis was not political at core, Singh said it stemmed from drug menace, illegal immigration, destruction of forests, and the systematic pursuit of power by select groups. Singh said the BJP-led government introduced the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in order to protect the indigenous people of the state.

"Does Mr Conrad Sangma know that Manipur had already initiated border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is now strictly regulated? Has he noticed the alarming rise in unrecognised villages within Manipur’s borders?"

Biren further said, "Manipur is home to 32 indigenous tribes whose identities, cultures, and way of life deserve protection. Refrain from encouraging illegal immigrants or interfering in matters that threaten this delicate balance. The people of Manipur have endured enough. Let us live in peace."

'Political posturing'

Reacting sharply to Biren's jibe, Sangma questioned why the former Manipur CM dragged the name of his father late PA Sangma to attack him. "P A Sangma ji had always fought for the people of the North East, was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the North East."

Conrad said everyone’s efforts should now be towards restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in "political posturing."

Sources said Singh launched the fresh attack on Conrad as the NPP, having six MLAs in Manipur, was still trying to stop Biren from becoming the CM again, after withdrawal of the President's Rule.