In a notable address at the 84th Nupi Lal day at GP Women’s College hall in Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma to offer support in resolving the ongoing crisis in the state without interference, emphasizing it as Manipur’s “internal matter.”
Singh recalled previous instances, citing, “A state never interferes in the internal matters of others.” He mentioned the Meitei issue in Assam, where a request was made to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to address it as an internal matter.
Singh responded to Lalduhoma’s reported statement regarding Manipur police actions in Moreh, stating, “People living in Moreh are citizens of Manipur, whether they are Kuki, Naga, Meitei, Meitei-Pangal, or whoever.” He clarified the situation and appealed for support in resolving the internal crisis.
Singh cautioned against interference beyond rights, saying, “If he (Mizoram chief minister) interferes, it will be beyond his rights.” He humbly appealed for support in restoring peace in Manipur, highlighting ongoing communication with other chief ministers in the region regarding the situation.
The ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur since May 3 have resulted in at least 182 casualties (excluding 13 reported on Monday) and displaced around 50,000 people. Singh’s plea reflects the urgency for regional collaboration to address the escalating crisis.
