Manipur CM Biren Singh against any division of the state

CM Biren Singh said, "Apprehensions can arise about anything, but Manipur can not be divided at any cost."

Putting an end to speculation about the division of Manipur into three Union territories as demanded by the state’s Kuki organization, Chief Minister N Biren Singh today ruled out any division of the state and said that the state cannot be divided at any cost.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of an event in Imphal West CM Biren Singh said, “Apprehensions can arise about anything, but Manipur cannot be divided at any cost.”

It may be mentioned here that after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur last year, Kuki leaders including BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip and Kuki Zo organisations have demanded separate Union Territories as the way forward and find a solution to the conflict. However, CM N Biren Singh and Meitei groups had voiced their opposition to any move to break the state up.

Speaking about the deportation issue, CM N Biren Singh has clarified that there is nothing new about 1961 being the base year for deportation of foreigners settled in the state. He reiterated that the state cabinet had approved a proposal to adopt 1961 as the base year for determining native status of residents of the state back in June 2022.

Reacting to the recent incident of arms being robbed from the 5th IRB Battalion in Tezpur Imphal East, CM N Biren Singh said that only a few number of weapons were snatched and some have been recovered as well.

He also stated that violence in state is now restricted to a few areas and security gaps are being plugged to control things.

Also Read: Manipur: 6 arrested for attacking and looting weapons from 5th IRB post

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