In a bold statement during the 52nd Statehood Day Celebration at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday addressed the Central Security Forces, emphasizing their role in protecting the state’s integrity and the lives of innocent civilians.
Singh questioned the purpose of the Central Security Forces’ presence in the state, saying, “You are not invited here to observe; you are invited to protect the state’s integrity, lives, and property of innocent people, not to watch.”
The Manipur chief minister’s stern remarks come amid reports of the forces allegedly failing to intervene as suspected Kuki militants targeted civilians in recent incidents.
CM Biren Singh asserted that if the Central Security Forces cannot ensure the safety of the state and its people, they cannot stay in Manipur. “We are Indians! Kya samajhta hai? Kya Khelta Hai? [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 prepared to resign, demanding that the Central government address pressing issues concerning the state. A resolution is pending, with a final decision expected later in the day.
A crucial meeting is underway at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, involving Cabinet Ministers and MLAs to formulate a concrete resolution. “We have to protect our people; if necessary, I might resign,” Singh said, fuelling the speculation on his resignation.
On the other hand, the Meitei socio-cultural organization, Arambai Tengol, has called for a meeting on January 24, urging Meitei MLAs to gather at Kangla Uttara inside Kangla Fort. The organization warns of considering absent Ministers or MLAs as enemies of the Meitei people, further heightening tensions in the state.
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