Ukhrul, March 31: A X (formerly Twitter) exchange has erupted between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh over issues concerning Manipur’s political and ethnic landscape on Monday. The verbal spat was sparked by N. Biren Singh’s remarks about the late P. A. Sangma, a prominent political leader from the Northeast, also Conrad Sanga’s late father, which prompted a strong rebuttal from Conrad Sangma.
N. Biren Singh took to X to criticize what he described as external interference in Manipur’s internal affairs. In a strongly worded post, he claimed that late P. A. Sangma had once advocated for dividing the Northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a stance he termed as “dangerous” and detrimental to national unity. He warned that similar attempts were being made today to destabilize Manipur.
“The late Shri P.A. Sangma once advocated for dividing the Northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our Nation. Today, we are seeing similar attempts to interfere in Manipur’s internal affairs to destabilise the state,” wrote N. Biren Singh.
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“Manipur’s situation is unique,” Singh wrote. “This state is home to several small, vulnerable indigenous communities, whose protection necessitated the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The present crisis is not political at its core. It stems from a complex mix of challenges: the drug menace, illegal immigration, destruction of forests, and the systematic pursuit of power by select groups.”
He further asserted that Manipur had been making significant progress in securing its borders and safeguarding its indigenous populations, referencing measures like the regulation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing efforts. Singh cautioned against what he called “political posturing” by external parties and called for non-interference in the state’s affairs.
In response, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma swiftly denounced N Biren Singh’s remarks, particularly his reference to P. A. Sangma, calling it “unfortunate.” Defending his late father’s legacy, he wrote on X:
“N Biren Singh ji has dragged the name of (L) Shri P. A. Sangma ji. Sangma ji has always fought for the people of the North East, was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the North East. At this time, everyone’s efforts should be towards the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in political posturing. We all have to work together. I once again appeal to everyone to work for the betterment of the people of Manipur. This is what (L) P A Sangma ji would have wanted.”
Conrad Sangma stressed that the focus should be on restoring peace and harmony in Manipur rather than indulging in political accusations. He called for collective efforts to improve the situation in the state rather than divisive rhetoric.
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This is likely the first of such exchanges after the National People’s Party (NPP) withdraw its support to the Biren Singh led BJP Government in the State of Manipur in November 2024. The NPP before the withdrawal had seven MLAs in the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The NPP chief Conrad K Sangma, in a letter addressed to JP Nadda had cited his “deep concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur.” The Chief Minister of Meghalaya had said, “strongly feel that the Manipur State Government under the leadership of N Biren Singh Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy.”