The Government of Manipur has issued a strong rebuke to the Mizo National Front (MNF) for what it terms “constant meddling in the internal affairs” of the state. This response follows the MNF’s recent call for the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, citing his alleged failure to address ongoing ethnic violence that has resulted in over 250 deaths since May 2023.
Manipur’s Response to MNF’s Allegations
In a press release, Manipur’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations accused the MNF, led by a Chief Minister ousted in the last State Assembly elections, of promoting “anti-national, pro-Myanmar refugee propaganda” and maintaining an “anti-Manipur stance.” The statement emphasized that the MNF has consistently opposed Indian government efforts to secure the Myanmar border to curb illegal immigration, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling—issues identified as root causes of Manipur’s challenges.
Historical Context and Accusations
The Manipur government reminded the public of the MNF’s historical secessionist movement in the former Mizo district of Assam. It attributed the current crisis in Manipur to illegal immigrants from Myanmar, whose economy, driven by illicit poppy cultivation, was disrupted by the Chief Minister’s “War on Drugs.” The government refuted claims that the crisis stemmed from any religious policy, labeling such narratives as false propaganda by the MNF and other vested interests.
Critique of MNF’s Position on Narco-Terrorism
The statement criticized the MNF for overlooking narco-terrorist funding behind the conflict involving the Kuki community. It highlighted a significant increase in the number of villages in Kuki-dominated districts since 1969, questioning the MNF’s awareness of this abnormal rise, particularly in forested areas.
Comparison of Policies on Illegal Immigration
The Manipur government noted that Mizoram has implemented measures to prevent Myanmar nationals from purchasing land, running businesses, or obtaining official documentation like Aadhaar and voter IDs without prior permission. It questioned why the MNF opposes similar efforts by Manipur to tackle illegal immigration.
Successes in the ‘War on Drugs’
The government detailed its achievements in combating drug trafficking, including the destruction of drugs worth ₹60,000 crore in the international market, seizure of vast quantities of narcotics, and eradication of 16,787 acres of illicit poppy cultivation. It noted a 60% decline in poppy cultivation between 2021 and 2023. In contrast, the statement alleged that Mizoram has become a transit route for illegal arms and drugs between India and Myanmar.
Appeal for MNF to Address Local Issues
The Manipur government urged the MNF to focus on addressing the threat of drug trafficking in Mizoram instead of making unwarranted comments on Manipur’s legally justified actions against drug trafficking. It offered assistance to Mizoram in combating drug-related issues.
Efforts to Restore Peace and Normalcy
The government outlined initiatives to restore peace, including providing food and shelter to over 60,000 people in relief camps, conducting operations to recover looted arms, and prosecuting lawbreakers. Sensitive cases have been handed over to central agencies like the NIA and CBI for impartial investigation, with a retired Supreme Court judge heading a commission of inquiry into the origins of the ethnic conflict.
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Warnings Against Secessionist Agendas
The statement warned of a larger agenda to create a Kuki-Chin nation spanning parts of Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh through illegal immigration and land grabbing, stressing that such plans would be met with strong legal action. It concluded by asserting that the Government of Manipur will not allow the fragmentation of Northeast India at the behest of foreign vested interests and that any individual or organization working towards such an agenda will face the full force of the law.
This development underscores the escalating tensions between Manipur and Mizoram’s political entities, highlighting the complex interplay of regional politics, ethnic identities, and national security concerns in India’s Northeast.
