Imphal:    The Manipur government has dismissed the authenticity of voice clips allegedly featuring Chief Minister N. Biren Singh admitting to involvement in the ethnic conflict. These clips, reported by The Wire and purportedly submitted as evidence to a central Inquiry Commission, have been denounced by the state as “doctored.”

In a press release, the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) condemned the distribution of these clips as “anti-national activities.” The government warned that anyone found spreading what it deems “unfounded and baseless contents” will be prosecuted, citing concerns that such actions could heighten law and order issues and disrupt peace efforts.

The voice clips, which surfaced on social media a few weeks ago, allegedly feature Singh speaking in Meiteilon and boasting about initiating the conflict against the Kuki-Zo people to “save Meitei civilization.” These claims were supported by translations from Kuki-Zo civil society organizations.

The Manipur government reported improvements in law and order over the past three to four months, with only minor, isolated incidents. They also noted that there has been no large-scale conflict, despite previous violence and arson in Jiribam district in June.

The Wire’s report included an affidavit detailing the recording’s context. The Manipur government has filed an FIR to investigate the origin of the clips, and reiterated that earlier statements from the DIPR about the clips being doctored were accurate.

Labeling the news report as potentially inciting hatred and mistrust, the government urged the public to disregard the alleged false information and avoid disseminating it. Additionally, it clarified that investigations into rocket and bomb explosions during the conflict are ongoing, with various agencies, including the NIA, effectively managing these incidents.