'Power Struggle in Northeast: Manipur, Mizoram CMs Lock Horns Over Region's Future'

The Manipur government has launched a scathing attack on its counterpart in Mizoram, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, over his comments on the region's future and his call for President's Rule in Manipur.

In an intense power struggle with neighboring states, Zoramthanga, the Chief Minister of Mizoram, recently criticized the two main leaders of the Northeast: N Biren Singh, of Manipur and Lalduhoma of Mizoram. The situation escalated to critical levels after Zoramthanga referred to both Singh and Lalduhoma as “liabilities” for their states.

Sourav Mishra, Press Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs, said on a four-page statement earlier today that, under these comments from both leaders, it's clear that Northeast India is embroiled in an intense civil strife.

Sourav Mishra further stated that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had come under attack for not fencing off his state’s northern border with Myanmar. Lalduhoma too faced criticism on this matter.

“Mizoram CM reveals his democratic credentials by espousing imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur while opposing boundary fencing of the Indo-Myanmar international border. He also calls for reunification of the Zo people. He also talks about possibility of armed militias in Manipur pointing their guns at Delhi and need for disarming, and sincere negotiations with hill leaders,” it said.

According to Sourav Mishra, Singh had come under attack from Lalduhoma during an interview with Hindustan Times as well, who claimed that the state is a “liability” due to its involvement in the Indian National Congress party and also for working in close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“Thirty-four years later in 2020, he also became the first MLA in the country to be disqualified on charge of breaching the same law,” Sourav Mishra added.

Sourav was quick to add a second layer to his statement when it comes to Lalduhoma's ambition: an outspoken advocate for creating a Christian-majority nation across parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar – and India.

The Manipur state accused the Mizoram chief of forging a grand strategy that involves immigration on its own terms, displacing Indigenous peoples, grabbing land and bringing about the creation of Kuki-Chin dominant regions in addition to establishing autonomous districts all the way up to national status.

This aggressive stance includes Lalduhoma criticizing the Indian governments' moves to build a physical border fence with northern Myanmar. It further asserts that fencing off this region is essential for combating illegal immigration, drug trafficking and maintaining internal security in this multi-culture state in India.

In this context, Sourav also mentioned that Lalduhoma has previously voiced his intentions at a public speech he gave within the United States.

“India must be wary of the greater agenda of carving a Kuki-Chin Christian nation out of contiguous areas of Myanmar, India and Bangladesh, played out over decades of meticulous planning, through illegal immigration, land grabbing, displacement of original indigenous peoples, formation of Kuki - Chin dominated districts, establishment of Autonomous District Councils, upgradation of such Councils to Scheduled Areas, amalgamation of Kuki-Chin areas and finally nationhood," Sourav asserted.

“Furthermore he had mentioned the need for people to enrol in Aadhaar, voter lists or obtain driver's licenses amongst others,” it states.

Sourav also explained that the foreign nationals' enrollement within the region has created a massive amount of concerns.

At the same time, Lalduhoma is accused by Sourav for double standards.

According to him, it was "anti-tribal" for Manipur authorities not taking any step in tackling illegal immigration but in Mizoram.

For Sourav Dar and team at News9: Read More