Mumbai: In a direct attack on the BJP legislators from the Kuki-Zo community, a BJP MLA in Manipur took to social media asking them to “quit and contest from another state” if they are not serious about “working for peace” and focused only on “separate administration” demand.
Rajkumar Imo Singh, a three-term MLA and son-in-law of chief minister N. Biren Singh, put out a long post on X (formerly Twitter). “These so-called legislators seem to be attending office in another state. Are they all serious about bringing a peaceful solution in our state? And how will that be possible by discussing with another state leader who has a different agenda?” Singh wrote on X. Singh, who was formerly with the Congress, joined the BJP in 2021.
These so called Legislators seems to be attending office in another State. Are they all serious to bring a peaceful solution in our State? And how will that be possible by discussing with another State leader who has a different agenda? I had said earlier and I want to ask again.… pic.twitter.com/49vERDO8Ao
— Rajkumar Imo Singh (@imosingh) September 8, 2023
The New Indian Express report says that Singh’s post came soon after the Kuki-Zo legislators had a closed-door meeting with the Mizoram chief minister in Aizawl on Wednesday. Along with the political leaders, many from the Kuki-Zo civil society organisations also attended the meeting. Singh said if these legislators continue to stick to their demand and are not serious about bringing about peace, he would urge them to resign from the Manipur Assembly.
Singh’s statement only reflects the deep divide between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities created by the ongoing conflict that erupted on May 3, leaving close to 180 dead and over 67,000 displaced. Even after four months, Manipur remains volatile despite heavy deployment of security forces and cases of violent attacks are being reported on a daily basis.
“…it is morally not correct to remain in public office, take salary from the state and talk about division and separation from the state,” Singh said, adding that it is better to have legislators in these constituencies from other tribal communities who are willing to work unitedly for the state’s progress.
On Sunday, September 10, Singh once again took to social media. This time with another demand of ensuring an “equal” land law in the ethnic conflict-scarred Manipur. He sought cooperation from his fellow legislators.
Singh, who represents the Sagolband Assembly constituency, said the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (MLR and LR) Act of 1960 needed to be “less skewed against the Imphal Valley dwellers”. In a letter to all the members of the Manipur Assembly (consisting of 60 members), Singh wrote that “the 1960 Act enacted by Parliament does not allow valley dwellers to buy land in the tribal-majority hill districts while tribals can buy land anywhere in the State.”
Have written a letter appealing to all Legislators to join and unite hands. There should be a Manipur where there are equal laws, thus an equal land law for every section of the society. The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act 1960, enacted by Parliament needs to be… pic.twitter.com/Izq0nlE0MK
— Rajkumar Imo Singh (@imosingh) September 10, 2023
Of the many complex issues, one of the triggers for the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur is believed to be the demand of a section of the Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. If this demand is fulfilled, the Meiteis would automatically become eligible to buy land in the hills.