‘If central forces cannot protect innocents, they cannot live in Manipur’: CM Biren Singh

In a bold statement during the 52nd Statehood Day celebrations at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday addressed the central security forces, and stressed their role in protecting the integrity of the state and the lives of innocent citizens.

Questioning the purpose of the presence of central security forces in the state, Singh said, “You have not been invited here for inspection; You are invited to protect the integrity of the state, the lives and property of innocent people, and not to watch.”

The Manipur Chief Minister’s strong remarks come amid reports that security forces have allegedly failed to intervene in recent incidents of civilians being targeted by suspected Kuki militants.

CM Biren Singh said that if the central security forces cannot ensure the security of the state and its people, then they cannot live in Manipur. “We are Indians! What do you understand? what plays? [What do you understand? What game are you playing?] We will take our own decision,” he declared.

In a significant move, Chief Minister Singh, along with cabinet colleagues and MLAs, has reportedly agreed to resign, demanding that the central government address important issues related to the state. A settlement is pending, with a final decision expected today.

An important meeting is going on in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, in which cabinet ministers and MLAs are involved, to prepare a concrete proposal. “We have to protect our people; If necessary, I can resign,” Singh said, sparking speculation about his resignation.

On the other hand, Arambai Tangol, a Meitei socio-cultural organisation, has called a meeting on January 24, urging Meitei MLAs to gather at Kangla Uttara inside the Kangla Fort. The organization has warned of treating absent ministers or MLAs as enemies of the Meitei people, which will further increase tension in the state.