Tensions between former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have reached a boiling point, marking a fresh political flare-up in the Northeast.
Accusing Sangma of interfering in Manipur’s internal affairs, Singh alleged that the Meghalaya leader is using the ongoing crisis for “political posturing.” His frustration became evident when he invoked Sangma’s late father, P. A. Sangma, into the controversy. Posting a 2014 video on X, Singh highlighted P. A. Sangma’s speech in the Lok Sabha advocating for the creation of smaller states in the Northeast along ethnic lines.
“The late Shri P.A. Sangma once advocated for dividing the Northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines, a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our Nation. Today, we are seeing similar attempts to interfere in Manipur’s internal affairs to destabilise the state,” Singh said. “Manipur’s situation is unique. This state is home to several small, vulnerable indigenous communities, whose protection necessitated the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The present crisis is not political at its core. It stems from a complex mix of challenges: the drug menace, illegal immigration, destruction of forests, and the systematic pursuit of power by select groups,” he added.
“After years of effort to safeguard our indigenous populations, we have begun to make real progress such as the implementation of ILP, a hard-won achievement. Shri @SangmaConrad should know that the violence was not spontaneous; it was instigated by those who feel threatened and insecure by this kind of progress,” Singh said.
“Does Mr Conrad Sangma know that Manipur had already initiated border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is now strictly regulated? Has he noticed the alarming rise in unrecognised villages within Manipur’s borders?” he questioned.
“It must be noted that when Manipur was facing these serious challenges, others refrained from interfering in our internal affairs. The same courtesy was expected, yet some chose a different path, one driven by narrow interests rather than genuine concern. Today, various groups across the Northeast are beginning to recognise the seriousness of FMR, ILP, and border security. Manipur’s experiences should serve as a lesson, not a platform for political posturing,” Singh stated.
“Manipur is home to 32 indigenous tribes whose identities, cultures, and way of life deserve protection. Refrain from encouraging illegal immigrants or interfering in matters that threaten this delicate balance. The people of Manipur have endured enough. Let us live in peace,” he added.
Responding to the attack, Conrad Sangma expressed disappointment over Singh dragging his late father into the issue. “It’s unfortunate that @NBirenSingh ji has dragged the name of (L) Shri P. A. Sangma ji. Sangma ji has always fought for the people of the North East, was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the North East. At this time, everyone’s efforts should be towards the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in political posturing. We all have to work together. I once again appeal to everyone to work for the betterment of the people of Manipur. This is what (L) P A Sangma ji would have wanted,” Conrad Sangma posted on X.
This latest round of political sparring comes months after the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) withdrew support from the Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur in November 2024. While announcing the withdrawal, Sangma had clarified that his party distanced itself from Biren Singh’s government but remained committed to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).