Tue Nov 19 14:49:18 UTC 2024: ## Manipur CM Blames Chidambaram, Vested Interests for Renewed Violence

**Imphal, Manipur –** Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh accused Congress leader P Chidambaram and unnamed “vested interests” of fueling a resurgence of violence in the state, following a period of relative calm. Singh’s sharp criticism came in response to a now-deleted X post by Chidambaram, which suggested that regional autonomy was the only solution to the conflict between the Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities. Chidambaram’s post was subsequently removed following a request from Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra, who cited the volatile situation.

While the Congress clarified that Chidambaram’s comments were personal opinions, not party policy, Singh launched a vehement counter-attack. He blamed Chidambaram, who served as Union Home Minister in 2008, for creating the current crisis, citing the controversial 2008 Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups. Singh presented photographs allegedly showing Chidambaram meeting with Thanglianpau Guite, the chairman of the Myanmar-based Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), accusing Chidambaram of facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants and arming insurgent groups.

Singh contends that the conflict is not solely ethnic but also involves illegal immigration from Myanmar and the struggle for control over resources. He accused Chidambaram and the Congress party of a long history of neglecting the needs of the indigenous people of Manipur, pointing to alleged fake encounter cases during their time in power.

The SoO agreement, which allowed Kuki-Zo insurgent groups to operate from designated camps, remains a central point of contention. The Manipur assembly unanimously passed a resolution in February 2024 demanding its cancellation, raising questions about its current status. The recent killing of ten militants in an encounter highlights the ongoing tension.

The conflict, which has claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people, involves disputes over land, resources, political representation, and the Meitei community’s desire for Scheduled Tribe status. The Kuki tribes, meanwhile, are seeking a separate administration. A leaked audiotape allegedly implicating Singh in the violence is set to be examined by the Supreme Court on November 25th. The situation remains highly volatile, with all sides engaging in a war of words and accusations.

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