Manipur’s former Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, has voiced concerns over what he calls a “demographic shift” in the state, stating that it is not speculation but a reality unfolding in plain sight. His remarks came in a long post on X (formerly Twitter), days after he resigned as Chief Minister and President’s Rule was imposed in the state.
Singh’s Stand on Manipur’s Changing Demographics
Biren Singh, who stepped down ahead of the imposition of President’s Rule, reiterated his stance on illegal immigration, particularly from Myanmar, as a key factor in the ethnic tensions gripping the state. Sharing an old post from 2022, he highlighted the case of a Myanmar national caught with a fake Indian Aadhaar card and questioned how many such cases remain undetected.
“Our land and identity are under threat. With a small population and limited resources, we stand vulnerable,” he wrote. Singh also blamed the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar and an unguarded 398-km border for the changing demographics in Manipur.
“I monitored and detected illegal immigration tirelessly until May 2, 2023. But after the tragic events of May 3, our state machinery has struggled to respond effectively,” he added.
Ethnic Tensions and Political Fallout
Manipur has been in turmoil since May 2023, with ethnic clashes between the valley-majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, who dominate some hill districts. While the Kukis hold Singh responsible for the unrest, the Meiteis blame illegal immigration and unrecognized villages for fueling tensions.
Singh’s remarks underscored the political and social divisions in the state. “Manipur is a small state, with a small population and no significant resources. We have only three MPs to represent us in the nation’s highest decision-making body. Yet, we have always stood with pride, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit,” he wrote.
He further urged authorities to intensify efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants, vowing to continue his fight “with unwavering commitment.”
President’s Rule in Manipur: What Happens Next?
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur marks the 11th such instance since 1951. The move came as the BJP failed to reach a consensus on a new chief minister, and the state assembly was unable to convene.
With the last sitting of the Manipur assembly held on August 12, 2024, the constitutional six-month deadline for convening the next session was set to expire on February 12, 2025. As no session was called due to the political deadlock, President Droupadi Murmu’s office announced the imposition of central rule.
A communique from the President’s office stated that after considering a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, it was determined that the state government “cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India.”
Central Government’s Next Steps
With President’s Rule in place, sources in the Manipur administration outlined the immediate priorities for the central security forces:
- Neutralizing armed groups and ensuring disarmament from both sides
- Securing highways in both hill and valley areas
- Restoring airport access for all residents
- Compensating and rehabilitating internally displaced persons
The political uncertainty in the state has intensified since Singh’s resignation, with the BJP unable to decide on a replacement leader. The party was reportedly waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his US visit to finalize a candidate. However, the time constraints under Article 174(1) of the Constitution forced the imposition of central rule.
Sources By Agencies
