Explosive Audiotape of CM N.Biren Singh Strengthens Political Legitimacy of Separate Administration for Kuki-Zo People

Authenticity or genuineness of “Manipur Tapes” has been well-established as of now. This is manifested not only by the Meitei radicals themselves but also by the Crime Minister N. Biren Singh and his political cohorts, despite being in strange denial mode by his government.

His inner circles have openly threatened to eliminate the Meitei (s), whose identity has been kept confidential, who had leaked the audiotapes to the Kukis- whom they call “enemies.” This is the proof of authenticity.

Certainly, the audiotape is enough ground to ascertain the intent of N. Biren Singh and his radical followers, who had long planned an ‘annihilation’ of the Kuki- Zos. No other testimonials, than the leaked audio is required to substantiate the genesis and overall schemes of the ongoing ethnic pogrom besieging Manipur. It strengthens the legitimacy of Kuki-Zos’ Separate Administration demand.

As the stark reality has unfolded, the Government of India cannot shy away from taking action rather it should act immediately. Mr. Singh and his minions have no other option but to face the longhand of laws for their crimes against humanity.

However, the Government of India is still in silent mode. It remains mute spectator to the complicity of the incumbent chief minister in perpetuating heinous crimes against the minority Kuki-Zo people. Why is the Centre still turning a blind eye to the ongoing state-sponsored ethnic cleansing genocide?

For over 16 months, since the ethnic pogrom erupted on 3rd of May, 2023, the Kuki-Zo community has been subjected to relentless violence and terror, losing about 200 precious lives and thousands displaced. More than 350 Churches including synagogues, hundreds and thousands of villages/ houses were burnt to ashes. Total separation is complete and tension still prevails between the two warring communities.

Despite overwhelming evidence, including incriminating audiotapes of the narcissistic Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, for the state’s orchestrated violence, the centre government is yet to take action for a permanent political solution. This deliberate inaction is not only alarming but also raises grave concerns about the Government of India’s commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding its citizens, particularly the minority communities of Manipur.

Pertinent questions thus arise: How many more precious lives need to be lost before the Government of India finally wakes up from its slumber and acknowledges the Chief Minister’s direct role in orchestrating and perpetuating these atrocities?

How long must the Kukis endure this suffering before the government steps in to provide a permanent political and administrative solution?

In the wake of the state-sponsored ethnic pogrom, the Kuki-Zo people have been demanding a legitimate political solution in the form of Union Territory with Legislature under the ambit of the Indian Constitution. This is the only way to ensure peace, security, and dignity for the people who have been suffering from unimaginable violence and atrocities in the hands of the majoritarian regime.

Notably, the demand for creation of a Union Territory (UT) with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution is what the oppressed people’s desire for permanent solution, and peace and normalcy to return to the region. This will empower the Kuki-Zo people with greater control over their own affairs, free from the clutches of the authoritarianism that has been failing the minority hill tribesmen since long-years back.

Taking serious cognisance of these matters, the political leadership of the Centre should now begin concrete actions for the safety and well- being of the minority communities sooner than later, irrespective of political affiliation. It is time to put an end to this horrific violence and bring the perpetrators to justice, including the “Crime Minister” N. Biren Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Leisemba Sanajaoba and their private militia groups of Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun and other Meitei militants.

The Government of India should also understand the genuine fear and consternation of the Kuki- Zo people who explicitly expressed their fright to live together again with the Meiteis and their dreadfulness to go back to the “Valley of Death - Imphal.” It should accept now that separation of administration is the only way forward.