Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has sparked controversy by accusing late Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma of advocating the division of the northeast along ethnic lines. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, son of the late leader, strongly refuted the claim, calling for unity and peace in Manipur instead of political blame games.
In a post on X, Singh stated, “Late P.A. Sangma once advocated for dividing the northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our Nation. Today, we are seeing similar attempts to interfere in Manipur’s internal affairs to destabilise the state.”
He emphasised that Manipur’s situation is unique, being home to several small and vulnerable indigenous communities, which necessitated measures like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for their protection.
Tagging Conrad K. Sangma in his post, Singh further wrote, “After years of effort to safeguard indigenous populations, we have begun to make real progress such as the implementation of ILP, a hard-won achievement. Shri Conrad K. Sangma should know that the violence was not spontaneous; it was instigated by those who feel threatened and insecure by this kind of progress.”
He questioned whether Meghalaya chief minister was aware of the security measures being taken in Manipur, stating, “Does Mr. Conrad Sangma know that Manipur had already initiated border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is now strictly regulated? Has he noticed the alarming rise in unrecognised villages within Manipur’s borders?” Singh also attached an old video of P A Sangma’s speech to support his claims.
Singh criticised external interference in Manipur’s affairs, saying, “It must be noted that when Manipur was facing these serious challenges, others refrained from interfering in our internal affairs. The same courtesy was expected, yet some chose a different path, one driven by narrow interests rather than genuine concern.”
In response, Conrad Sangma dismissed the accusations and defended his father’s legacy.
He wrote on X, “It’s unfortunate that @NBirenSingh ji has dragged the name of (L) Shri P.A. Sangma ji. Sangma ji has always fought for the people of the North East, was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the North East.”
He further urged for unity, stating, “At this time, everyone’s efforts should be towards the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in political posturing. We all have to work together. I once again appeal to everyone to work for the betterment of the people of Manipur. This is what (L) P.A. Sangma ji would have wanted.”
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Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, four days after Biren Singh resigned following nearly two years of ethnic violence.
As chief minister, Singh had pushed for the identification of illegal immigrants, citing concerns over a sharp rise in unrecognized villages.
According to government data, between 1969 and the present, the number of villages in the districts of Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl increased by 122%, whereas Naga-dominated hill districts saw only a 9% rise.
