Manipur Government Slams MNF for Meddling in State Affairs

Manipur Government accusing the party of anti-national activities and turning a blind eye to illegal immigration and the drug menace.

The Manipur Government has issued a strongly-worded statement denouncing the Mizo National Front (MNF), a Mizoram-based political party, for its repeated interference in Manipur’s internal matters. The statement was released in response to the MNF’s recent call for the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren.

The official statement of November 28, issued by VL Krosehnehzova, General Secretary of the MNF’s Media & Publicity Department, accuses the Manipur Government of discrimination and mishandling the ongoing ethnic tensions. However, Manipur has firmly refuted these allegations, labelling the MNF’s stance as misleading and harmful.

The Manipur Government highlighted the MNF’s history of opposing national interests in the rebuttal statement, stating, “This political party has consistently revealed its anti-national colors by opposing the Indian Government’s efforts to secure the border with Myanmar.” The statement further noted that Manipur’s ongoing crisis stems from illegal immigration from Myanmar, which has fuelled issues like poppy cultivation, drug trafficking, and land encroachment.

The statement underscored the rise in villages in Kuki-dominated districts of Manipur, contrasting it with Naga-dominated areas. “Between 1969 and now, Kuki-dominated districts saw a 122% increase in villages, while Naga-dominated districts saw only a 9% rise. Does the MNF understand the reasons behind this abnormal growth?”

The Manipur Government also defended its War on Drugs initiative, emphasizing the impact of its crackdown. “Since 2017, drugs worth Rs 60,000 crores in the international market have been seized or destroyed,” the statement revealed. Poppy cultivation has decreased by 60% between 2021 and 2023.

Criticizing Mizoram’s growing role as a transit hub for illegal arms and drugs, the statement added, “Instead of unwarranted comments, the MNF should focus on the looming threat from the drugs trade in Mizoram.”

The Government outlined its ongoing efforts to restore peace in Manipur amidst the ethnic conflict. It stated that over 60,000 displaced persons are being cared for in relief camps. Combing operations to recover looted arms and impartial investigations by SITs, NIA, and CBI are ongoing. It noted significant progress, including peace overtures from the Thadou and Hmar tribes.

The statement also warned of a “greater agenda” by foreign interests to create a “Kuki-Chin nation” spanning Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh. It asserted, “The Government of Manipur will not allow the fragmentation of North East India at the behest of foreign vested interests.”

The Manipur Government also urged all stakeholders to work towards lasting peace while firmly rejecting external interference.

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