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The escalating tensions between Manipur and Mizoram have reached a new peak, with the Manipur government launching a scathing attack on Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. The statement, released on Friday night, accuses Lalduhoma of irresponsible comments that stoke hatred and division between the two states, thereby undermining regional stability. The core of the conflict revolves around a long-standing concern in Manipur regarding the potential creation of a Kuki-Chin Christian nation spanning parts of Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh. Manipur asserts this is a decades-long project, and the state government firmly opposes any actions that contribute to the fragmentation of Northeast India. The Manipur government views Lalduhoma’s statements, particularly his advocacy for President’s Rule in Manipur and his opposition to border fencing, as support for this perceived secessionist agenda. This accusation is particularly inflammatory given the ongoing violence and instability within Manipur. The statement directly links Lalduhoma's comments to the potential for further unrest and escalation of the conflict.
A key element of the Manipur government’s criticism centers on Lalduhoma’s recent interview with the Hindustan Times, where he criticized Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's leadership. The Manipur government interprets this as an attempt to undermine the existing state government and facilitate the broader secessionist aims. The statement highlights Lalduhoma's questioning of the border fencing initiative, arguing that it impedes efforts to curb smuggling. However, Manipur counters this by asserting that the current crisis stems from illegal immigration from Myanmar, particularly those involved in the poppy cultivation economy. The Manipur government insists that its 'War on Drugs' campaign is not anti-tribal, directly refuting Lalduhoma's narrative. Further fueling the argument, the Manipur government points to the significant amount of drugs seized under this campaign, contrasting it with Mizoram’s alleged role as a transit route for illegal arms and drugs.
The Manipur government’s statement goes to great lengths to establish a historical context, emphasizing Manipur’s long and rich history compared to Mizoram, which was carved out of Assam much more recently. This historical framing serves to position Manipur as the legitimate and established entity, further legitimizing its criticism of Lalduhoma and asserting its right to maintain its territorial integrity. The statement also questions the significant increase in the number of villages in Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur, suggesting a possible correlation with the alleged land-grabbing and expansion efforts aimed at creating the proposed Kuki-Chin nation. The Manipur government also cites actions taken by the Mizoram government to limit land purchases by Myanmar nationals as evidence of similar concerns regarding resource management and population pressure. This underscores the hypocrisy they perceive in Lalduhoma’s pronouncements.
The Manipur government concludes by reiterating its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and normalcy within the state, highlighting the extensive support provided to those displaced by the violence. The statement emphasizes the ongoing efforts to recover looted arms and ammunition, demonstrating its resolve to combat the insurgency. However, the statement also goes beyond the immediate crisis, explicitly warning against the larger, long-term plan to establish a Kuki-Chin Christian nation. It views this as a significant threat to the stability of Northeast India, potentially facilitated by illegal immigration and land-grabbing. The statement directly accuses Lalduhoma of openly espousing this secessionist agenda and warns that any individual or group working toward this goal will face the full force of the law. The Manipur government, in its concluding remarks, demands that Lalduhoma adopt a more responsible stance as a neighboring Chief Minister, urging him to foster good relations rather than exacerbate existing tensions.
The statement's strong and accusatory tone underscores the seriousness of the situation and the deep-seated mistrust between the two states. The accusations of secessionist tendencies and support for illegal activities raise serious questions about the future of inter-state relations in the Northeast. The absence of immediate comment from the Mizoram government suggests a potential for further escalation, leaving the possibility of a lasting resolution hanging precariously in the balance. The central issue of the potential creation of a Kuki-Chin nation remains a sensitive and contentious point, with potentially far-reaching implications for regional stability and security.
Source: 'Be good neighbour, don't stoke fire of hatred, division': Manipur govt attacks Mizoram CM Lalduhoma