'None can break Manipur,' CM Biren Singh says on demand for separation by Kuki groups

Guwahati: Rejecting the demand for separation by the Kuki-Zo organisations in conflict-torn Manipur, CM N Biren Singh on Tuesday said all districts are integral part of the state and none can divide them.

"Demands can be made but Manipur will remain as it is. The state is part of Bharat and all districts are integral part of it. No one can break them," Singh told reporters when asked about the demand for a "separate administration" by organisations representing the Kuki-Zo communities in the state.

Singh was talking to reporters on the sideline of an event to celebrate Manipur's 53rd Statehood Day.

Singh's reaction came days after Kuki Zo Council, an apex body of all major Kuki-Zo organisations, submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah demanding a "separate administration" in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-dominated districts. The groups said a separate administration is the only way to restore peace and prevent "atrocities" by the Meiteis on the Kukis.

Several Meitei organisations have also opposed the demand for separation and urged the Centre to implement a National Register of Citizens in order to detect "illegal" Chin-Kuki migrants from neighbouring Myanmar. They claim that many Kukis are illegal migrants and have posed a threat to identity and culture of the Meiteis.

More than 250 people have died and over 60,000 others were displaced due to the conflict involving the Meitei and Kukis since May 2023. Sporadic incident of violence have continued despite presence of a large number of central security forces, including the army.

On Tuesday, addressing the Statehood Day, Singh said ,"On this day in 1972, Manipur became a full-fledged state of the Indian Union, marking a significant milestone in our history. On this momentous day, let us pledge to work collectively to uphold the pride and dignity of our beautiful state."