IMPHAL, Jan 30: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday accused a section of politicians of collaborating with forces that are attempting to destabilize the state, amidst the ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Speaking at a programme in Khangabok, Thoubal district, Singh claimed that too much political debate over ethnic issues has created confusion among the people and fueled internal conflicts.

He stated that many people still fail to understand the root causes of the violence, which has resulted in over 250 deaths and left thousands displaced since May 2023. Singh clarified that the state government’s opposition is directed at new immigrants involved in drug-related activities, not those who have settled in the state earlier.

“Our duty is to understand and realize who the real opponents are and who has launched attacks on us. We have to defend ourselves from them,” Singh said, expressing concerns that excessive politics had misled the public. He further added that some politicians are “hand in glove” with those seeking to break the state but refrained from naming any individuals or political parties involved.

Singh accused certain “agents” in Imphal Valley of siding with the forces trying to divide the state. “Such agents are in Imphal valley and are siding with those who want to break Manipur. We have to be careful about them,” he warned.

Despite the turmoil, the Chief Minister emphasized his belief in the unity of Manipur, asserting that the state would not break. “We are all one. Thadou, Mate, Gangte, Vaiphei, Paite, along with Tangkhul, Mao, and Maram are all brothers. All those who have been settled before are all staying together,” Singh said, reaffirming that the state’s opposition was only to new immigrants involved in drug activities.