Amid denial from Manipur CM, brother’s threat confirms authenticity of tapes

Amid refutation from Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh about his alleged involvement in escalating ethnic tensions in the state, accusing The Wire of doctoring controversial recordings of him, his brother, and a BJP Rajya Sabha MP issued threats on social media against individuals they believe leaked the recordings to "the enemy," further confirming the authenticity of the audio.

While the Manipur government termed the leaking of ‘audio recordings’ of Singh as an anti-national activity by some whose intention is to undermine the peace process between the Kukis and the Meiteis, the Chief Minister’s brother Rajendro Nongthingbam and BJP Rajya Sabha member L. Sanajaoba called those Meiteis whom they believe leaked the recordings “traitors,” besides describing it as a betrayal of their community, The Wire reported.

Sanajaoba, the founder of the controversial Arambai Tenggol, a radical Meitei group, expressed his frustration on social media, claiming that certain Meiteis have betrayed their community. He accused these individuals of being “traitors” and suggested that they would soon be identified.

The term “Khelendro,” which Sanajaoba used to label these supposed traitors, refers historically to Subedar Khonthoujam Khelendro Singh, a Meitei officer who played a role in the arrest of a prominent Meitei prince during the British colonial era. The use of this term highlights the depth of feeling surrounding issues of loyalty and betrayal within the Meitei community.

Rajendro Nongthingbam echoed similar sentiments in a Facebook post, indicating a determination to reveal the identities of those who share information with outside parties. His comments have added fuel to the already volatile situation, suggesting that the authenticity of the audio tapes is being taken seriously despite the government’s assertions to the contrary.

The tapes reportedly include discussions about the ongoing violence in Manipur and were made during a meeting at the Chief Minister's official residence. While The Wire has not confirmed the identity of the speaker, it has verified the meeting's date, subject, and contents through multiple participants, who have chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns. The recording, accompanied by an affidavit asserting its authenticity, was submitted to a Commission of Inquiry established by the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this year.

Since May 2023, violence in Manipur has resulted in a death toll of 226, with another 39 individuals reported missing. Approximately 60,000 people from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities remain displaced, unable to return to their homes. Despite various official assurances, both the state and central BJP governments have struggled to quell the unrest and address the underlying divisions between the communities.

Opposition leaders have called for a comprehensive investigation into the contents of the audio tapes, with some even demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation. This pressure has intensified as ten MLAs from the Kuki community, including eight from the BJP, have insisted that the Commission expedite its work and that the Chief Minister step aside to prevent interference with the investigation.

The BJP’s leadership in both the state and Delhi faces mounting scrutiny as the crisis continues to unfold, revealing deep-seated rifts within the community and raising questions about the efficacy of their governance in managing ethnic tensions.

With the Commission of Inquiry now tasked with investigating the recordings, the political landscape in Manipur remains precarious, and the demand for justice and reconciliation remains a central focus for many affected by the ongoing strife.