Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh eyes solo meet with PM Modi to find normalcy for state

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that he has personally invited Kuki MLAs to attend the state assembly session starting on July 31. This comes as Singh prepares to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ongoing issues in the state and seek solutions to restore normalcy. Ethnic violence between the Chin-Kuki-Zos and the Meiteis since May 3, 2023, has claimed at least 220 lives and displaced over 50,000 people.

Singh departed for Delhi to participate in a NITI Aayog meeting and a Chief Ministers' Conclave, both presided over by Prime Minister Modi. Singh is optimistic about a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister, where he aims to brief him on the various challenges facing Manipur.

"I’ve also personally invited them. The House (Assembly) is also inviting them. They should come and attend the House in session. We will facilitate their presence in the House if they seek my assistance and cooperation," Singh said, emphasizing the importance of Kuki-Zo MLAs participating in the Assembly.


The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the meetings in Delhi would yield positive developments. "Some positive developments will surely come out," he said while addressing media persons in Imphal.

In response to opposition criticism of the union budget 2024-25, Singh accused them of indulging in "petty politics" and assured that sufficient grants have been provided by the Centre to handle the state's resource crunch due to ongoing unrest and natural disasters.

Singh emphasized the need for unity and constructive action during this critical time. "We need to avoid petty politics during this critical time," he stated.

Commenting on the recent violence in the Jiribam district, where a house was reportedly burned on Wednesday, Singh clarified that this incident was not connected to the broader ethnic violence gripping the state. He suggested it was a stray incident by individuals exploiting the existing tensions for their own agenda and assured that the police are actively investigating and expected to make arrests soon.

Regarding the assembly session, Singh mentioned the efforts to ensure the participation of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including two Council of Ministers, who have abstained from parliamentary proceedings since the violence began. These MLAs have also demanded the division of Manipur along ethnic lines, seeking a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo communities.

"We are inviting them. I’ve also personally invited them. The House (Assembly) is also inviting them. They should come and attend the House in session. We will facilitate their presence in the House if they seek my assistance and cooperation," Singh reiterated.