Manipur CM N Biren Singh Addresses Ethnic Conflict Triggered by Meitei Community's ST Status Demand

IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has expressed grave concern over the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, describing it as "very unfortunate" and clarifying that his government is not to blame.

He stated that the violence, which erupted on May 3, 2023, stemmed from the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Speaking to internally displaced persons at the CM secretariat, Singh urged that politics should be set aside while addressing the humanitarian crisis in the state. He pointed out that the Meitei demand for ST status had been escalated by the Manipur High Court’s directive to the state government on March 27, 2023, to submit recommendations for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST list. This led to a rally on May 3, 2023, in the hill districts organized by the All-Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, which turned violent after a mob from Churachandpur attacked Meitei homes. 

The Chief Minister stressed that the state government had been actively providing relief and essential services to those affected by the conflict, including education, healthcare, and daily provisions. 

Singh also noted that the focus should be on expert analysis and security forces in dealing with the situation, and not let narrow political agendas hijack the crisis. In the event, Singh handed out financial aid to labor cardholders under a scheme meant to help displaced families so that children living in relief camps can continue education.

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