IMPHAL, Nov 29: The Manipur Government has issued a firm rebuttal against the Mizo National Front’s (MNF) alleged interference in the state’s internal matters, strongly condemning the Mizoram-based political party for demanding the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

In a press release issued by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) on November 28, the Manipur Government labeled the MNF’s actions as anti-national. The statement pointed to the MNF’s historical opposition to India’s efforts to secure its border with Myanmar, which aimed to curb illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.

“This political party, whose Chief Minister was routed in the last State Assembly elections despite riding on a shrill wave of anti-national pro-Myanmar refugee propaganda and anti-Manipur stance, has consistently revealed its true colors,” the statement noted.

The government also highlighted the MNF’s secessionist past, recalling its movement in the erstwhile Mizo district of Assam, and accused the party of supporting fabricated narratives against Manipur on international platforms.

The ongoing unrest in Manipur, according to the state government, is a direct result of illegal immigration from Myanmar and the disruption of the illicit poppy cultivation economy due to Chief Minister Biren Singh’s “War on Drugs” campaign.

“It is not on account of any religious policy of the State Government, as has been falsely portrayed by the MNF and other vested interests,” the statement clarified. The government further alleged that narco-terrorist funding has fueled conflicts in the Kuki-dominated areas.

The Manipur Government pointed to significant discrepancies in village growth in the state’s hill districts. Between 1969 and the present, the number of villages in Kuki-dominated districts such as Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl increased by 122% (from 731 to 1,624). In contrast, Naga-dominated districts such as Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong saw a mere 9% increase (from 527 to 576 villages).

“Is the MNF aware of the reasons behind this abnormal 122% increase in mushrooming of villages, many of which are in forest areas?” the government questioned.

The statement drew parallels with Mizoram’s measures to address illegal immigration, such as prohibiting Myanmar nationals from purchasing land or obtaining voter IDs and Aadhaar cards. The Manipur Government argued that its policies are similar, including the 1951 cut-off year for defining indigenous persons under the Manipur People Bill.

“The MNF should focus on the broader issue of illegal immigration rather than opposing Manipur’s legitimate actions,” it stated.

The government emphasized its success in combating the drug menace, noting that between 2017 and 2023, drugs worth ₹60,000 crores in the international market were seized or destroyed. These included 304 kg of heroin powder, 3,775 kg of brown sugar, 1,804 kg of opium, 1,976 kg of WY tablets, 422 kg of SP tablets, ice crystals, and pseudoephedrine.
Additionally, 16,787 acres of poppy cultivation were eradicated, with a 60% decline in poppy acreage between 2021 and 2023.

The government outlined its efforts to bring peace to the state, providing relief to over 60,000 displaced persons and conducting combing operations to recover looted arms. Sensitive cases have been handed over to the NIA and CBI for impartial investigations.

Key developments include progress in peace talks with communities like the Thadou and Hmar tribes, who have expressed willingness to end the crisis.

The Manipur Government also warned of a broader plan to establish a “Kuki-Chin nation” across Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh, citing decades of illegal immigration, land grabbing, and the displacement of indigenous peoples as part of this agenda.

“The Government of Manipur will not allow the fragmentation of Northeast India at the behest of foreign vested interests,” it declared, vowing strict action against individuals or organizations promoting such plans.

The statement concluded with a commitment to safeguarding Manipur’s land, resources, and security in the face of internal and external threats.