In a sharp response to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur during its turbulent times, Chief Minister N Biren Singh tried to deflect attention to the past Congress-led governments. Singh asked why former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and IK Gujral did not visit Manipur during periods of ethnic violence in the 1990s.
Speaking on December 31, 2024, Singh said the year had been a tragic chapter in Manipur’s history but hoped that 2025 would be one of peace. “This year has been very unfortunate. I am sorry to the people for the suffering since May 3. Many lost their loved ones and homes. However, the progress of the last three to four months gives me hope that normalcy will return soon,” Singh said while delivering his address.
Singh responded to Jairam Ramesh’s comments on Modi’s absence from Manipur by accusing the Congress of sowing the seeds of the state’s problems. Singh’s social media posts held Congress-era policies, including the settlement of Burmese refugees and the 2008 Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Myanmar-based militant groups, responsible for the region’s prolonged instability.
Congress made mistakes, Biren Singh responds to Congress on Modi not visiting Manipur comments
“Manipur’s turmoil today comes from Congress’s mistakes of the yore,” Singh declared. He also questioned the Naga-Kuki clashes of 1992-1993, which saw over 1,300 deaths and left thousands displaced. “Did PV Narasimha Rao, the ex-Prime Minister, visit Manipur and apologize? The Congress ignored such tragedies and now questions others,” Singh said.
Singh, a former Congress member who joined the BJP in 2016, underlined that his apology reflected his commitment to the people. “I sincerely regret the suffering faced by displaced families. But this isn’t a time for political blame games. We need to unite for peace and prosperity,” he urged.
The Congress leader, however, condemned the central government for ignoring Manipur while the Prime Minister went on a whirlwind tour. “The people of Manipur cannot understand this disregard,” Ramesh posted on X.
Violence has been reported to have broken out in Manipur last year during the Meitei community push for Scheduled Tribe status, a move opposed by the tribal Kuki groups. More than 180 people are said to have lost their lives and thousands remain displaced. The chief minister requested the state’s communities to “forgive” past grievances and strive towards rebuilding “trust”. “Whatever happened is before us, forgive forget, and let us work towards peaceful Manipur,” he appealed.
Biren slams Congress for Manipur violence
The CM also added:
“Everyone, including yourself, is aware that 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, spearheaded by @PChidambaram_IN during his tenure as the Home Minister of India,”
As Manipur enters the new year, Singh’s comments show the political tensions and the urgent need for reconciliation in the state.
Also, see: Elon Musk rebrands as Kekius Maximus on X: Here is what it means