Biren accuses Conrad of ‘interfering’ in Manipur’s affairs

Guwahati: Former Manipur CM N Biren Singh and present Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma on Monday indulged in a spat on ‘X', with the former accusing the latter of ‘interfering' in Manipur's domestic affairs and utilising the situation for "political posturing".
Biren also dragged Conrad's father, the late PA Sangma, a veteran politician and former Lok Sabha Speaker for previously proposing smaller states in the northeast.
During his tenure as a CM, Biren had been opposing further division of Manipur, even as the Kukis demanded a separate administration.
Reacting to Biren's jibe at his late father, Conrad said his father fought for the people of the northeast and their rights. "At this time, everyone's efforts should be towards the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in political posturing. We all have to work together. I once again appeal to everyone to work for the betterment of the people of Manipur. This is what (L) PA Sangma Ji would have wanted.".
Earlier in the day, Biren had posted that PA Sangma's proposition posed a risk to India's unity and warned Conrad against supporting illegal migrants. Conrad's National People's Party (NPP), which withdrew its support from the Biren Singh-led govt in November 2024, returned to the BJP-led coalition following Biren's departure.
"The late Shri PA 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 wrote.
Biren also posted an old video of the former Lok Sabha speaker, where he can be heard saying, "I think we must go for smaller states. I am in favour of smaller states. There are many areas where there is a demand for separate state. In our eastern region for example, or the northeastern region, the demand for separate states: Gorkhaland, Kamatapur, Bodoland, Karbi Anglong, Garoland (my own child), Dimasa, Kukiland. So many demands are there."
While the Centre has not agreed to the demand for a ‘separate administration' in the form of a Union territory, comprising Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur, the state's Kuki-Zo population even contemplated, weeks back, of holding a referendum to chart out their political future.
Pointing out that Manipur is home to 32 indigenous tribes, Biren said, "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."
He further posted that the present crisis is not political at its core. It stems from a complex mix of challenges: the drug menace, illegal immigration, destruction of forests, and the systematic pursuit of power by select groups.
Marking the implementation of ILP as a hard-won achievement, Biren wrote, "Today, various groups across the Northeast are beginning to recognise the seriousness of FMR, ILP and border security. Manipur's experiences should serve as a lesson, not a platform for political posturing," Biren said.
"Does Mr Conrad Sangma know that Manipur has 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 asked.