Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has asked his Mizoram counterpart, Lalduhoma, to abstain from meddling in Manipur's internal affairs and instead extend support in restoring peace amid rising tensions in the region.
In an unprecedented development, Chief Minister N Biren Singh cautioned Lalduhoma against offering opinions beyond his constitutional jurisdiction regarding the ethnic strife prevailing between the Kuki tribes, primarily residing in the hills, and the Meiteis, predominant in the valleys of Manipur.
Pointing out the remarks made by Lalduhoma concerning the Manipur ethnic tension, Singh emphasised the need for his Mizoram counterpart to refrain from expressing views outside his constitutional scope.
The border areas shared by Mizoram and Manipur with Myanmar's Chin State have familial connections with the Kuki community. Moreover, Mizoram has provided refuge to over 35,000 Myanmar refugees amidst ongoing conflict between the military junta and various ethnic insurgent groups. The crisis in Manipur, to some extent, is attributed to the influx of undocumented immigrants from Myanmar.
Regarding the situation in Moreh, Manipur's border trading town, Singh underscored that the circumstances were internal to Manipur and called upon Lalduhoma to focus on aiding the restoration of peace instead of commenting on matters beyond his awareness.
Expressing his viewpoint at an event commemorating Nupi Lan (Women's War), an integral part of Manipur's history when women fiercely resisted the British in 1904 and 1939, Singh highlighted the diverse communities residing in Moreh, stressing the urgent need for reinstating harmony.
Furthermore, referring to Mizoram's own predicament with the Bru tribes seeking refuge in Tripura due to ethnic conflicts, Singh highlighted that he refrained from commenting during that crisis, urging Lalduhoma to extend similar support to Manipur in regaining stability.
This dialogue emerged following Lalduhoma's earlier declaration, post the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) assumed power in Mizoram, vowing continued aid to Myanmar and Manipur refugees.
The Bru refugee crisis in Mizoram dates back to 1997 when internal strife led to the displacement of the Bru community to Tripura, seeking shelter in relief camps following demands for a separate autonomous district council.
The appeal from Manipur's Chief Minister comes amidst the escalating tensions and the necessity for concerted efforts in restoring peace in the region.