'Won't allow Manipur to break apart': Shah campaigns in Imphal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday alleged that attempts had been made to alter Manipur's demography through infiltration. He added that the Lok Sabha elections are between the forces trying to break the northeastern state and those keeping it united. "The most important thing is that no matter how much one tries 'hum Manipur ko tutne nahi denge' (we won't allow Manipur to break)," Shah said at a rally in Imphal.
Why does this story matter?
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence that erupted between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kukis last year on May 3 over the former's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis, who constitute 53% of the state's population, are concerned regarding the "influx of illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Meanwhile, tribals like Nagas and Kukis are worried about losing their ancestral lands. Over 200 people have been killed in the conflict, and over 50,000 have been displaced.
Shah stresses on peace and unity in Manipur
"Establishment of peace in Manipur by taking all communities on board and without breaking the state is the priority of the Narendra Modi government," the minister said. "I want to tell this today that our [Chief Minister] Biren Singh may not say this, but he kept a big demand before PM Modi - Manipur cannot remain united without inner-line permit. The BJP government has strengthened Manipur by giving inner-line permit," Shah added.
BJP's strategy amidst Manipur's ethnic unrest
The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha segment—where Shah is campaigning—encompasses 32 assembly constituencies within the conflict-affected Imphal valley. The Bharatiya Janata Party has not fielded candidates from the Outer Manipur segment; it will extend support to candidates nominated by the Naga People's Front—its National Democratic Alliance partner. To recall, PM Modi recently praised Shah's active involvement in "improving" Manipur's situation. The PM said that Shah was "stationed in Manipur during peak conflict" and conducted "meetings with stakeholders" to facilitate resolution.
PM's Modi interview
Last week in an interview with the Assam Tribune, the PM said that the timely intervention by the state and central government led to the marked improvement in the violence-hit north-eastern state. He also detailed how the Centre has consistently offered necessary support to the state government during this crisis." Notably, several opposition parties have raised concerns about PM's "absence" from the strife-torn northeastern state. PM Modi has not visited the state since the outbreak of the ethnic violence.
