Manipur government’s ‘anti-national’ jab at NDA ally over criticism of Biren Singh

In a sharp response to demands by the Mizo National Front (MNF) for the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the Manipur government issued a strongly-worded statement accusing the MNF of being an “anti-national party” and meddling in Manipur’s internal affairs.
The MNF, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), had sought Singh’s removal, citing his alleged failure to address the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The party criticised Singh for “inaction and misuse of power”, claiming that the suffering of the Kuki-Zomi community had reached “intolerable levels”. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and MNF Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena had also called for President’s Rule in Manipur.
Reacting to these statements, the Manipur government accused the MNF of promoting “anti-national pro-Myanmar refugee propaganda”.
It stated, “This political party has been consistently revealing its true colours as an anti-national party with its strong opposition to the efforts of the Indian Government to fence its open borders with neighbouring Myanmar for the purpose of curbing illegal immigration, trafficking of arms and drugs, internal security, and defence.”
Highlighting the ethnic ties between the Mizos and the Kukis, the Manipur government alleged that Mizoram had become the “primary route” for illegal transit of arms, ammunition, and drugs between India and Myanmar.
“Mizoram has now emerged as the favoured route for international transit of illegal arms, ammunition, and drugs,” it stated, adding that instead of criticising Manipur, the MNF should focus on the “looming threat on Mizo society from the drugs trade”.
The statement went on to allege a larger agenda of carving out a “Kuki-Chin nation” through “illegal immigration, land grabbing, displacement of original indigenous peoples…and finally nationhood”.
It warned, “The Government of Manipur will not allow fragmentation of North East India at the behest of foreign vested interests either in Manipur or in its neighbourhood.”
The MNF has opposed the Centre’s plan to fence the India-Myanmar border, citing shared ethnic identities with Myanmar’s Chin people. Mizoram’s support for refugees from Myanmar, who share a Kuki-Zo ethnic identity, has also drawn criticism from Manipur.
Manipur CM N. Biren Singh has consistently dismissed allegations of failing to protect the Kuki-Zomi community.
Reacting to earlier speeches by Mizoram leaders advocating Zo unity across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, Singh had asserted, “No one can touch Manipur’s integrity.”
The Manipur government defended its controversial ‘War on Drugs’, claiming it had curtailed drug trafficking in the state, which it alleged had shifted to Mizoram. It offered to assist Mizoram in combating the drug trade if requested, while accusing the MNF of “making unwarranted comments” about Manipur’s anti-drug measures.