Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh convened for their first face-to-face meeting amid the ongoing ethnic violence crisis in Manipur. The closed-door session, held during Singh’s visit to Delhi for a conclave of Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, was a crucial step in addressing the severe unrest that has plagued the northeastern state.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the conclave, was attended by Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. Notably, no other officials from the central or state government were present, highlighting the exclusivity of the discussion. Sources indicated that the primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the current situation in Manipur and to develop a roadmap for a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The backdrop to this meeting includes significant political pressure on the BJP regarding Prime Minister Modi’s perceived silence on the Manipur issue. Opposition members had vocally criticized Modi during a recent Lok Sabha session, where they interrupted his speech on the Motion of Thanks following President Droupadi Murmu’s address.
The timing of the meeting is also notable given recent developments in Manipur’s governance. On the same day, Manipur Governor Anusiya Uikey was removed from office, with Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed as the additional charge of Manipur. This change in leadership reflects the urgent need for effective management of the situation in the state.
Manipur has been grappling with severe ethnic violence over the past year, with clashes between the Meitei community and various tribal groups, including the Kukis. The violence has resulted in over 220 deaths and displaced nearly 50,000 individuals. The Meitei community, which dominates the valley region, is seeking inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category. In contrast, the Kukis and other tribal groups, who are predominantly located in the hill areas and share ethnic ties with people in Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, are advocating for a separate administrative entity due to alleged discrimination and unequal distribution of resources and power.
Sources By Agencies