Manipur CM N Biren Singh Supports the Citizenship Bill?

Imphal, October 8, 2019:

Manipur Chief N Biren Singh's assurances that the Central Government will look after the interests of the people despite passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill raised many eyebrows. While addressing the media, Biren recently said, "We trust and have confidence that the Central Government will be there to protest the people."

Biren Singh has been one of the least vocal among the Northeast Indian Chief Ministers about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. This, despite the massive protests which have been launched by the civil societies and student organizations across the State.

While talking to Inside Northeast, a source said that Biren Singh's silence over the contentious Bill is one of the main criticisms regarding the Chief Minister.

"In regards to the Citizenship Bill, he has been keeping mum despite violent protests against the Bill. He said that he would talk with the Centre, but now, there is no word from him", the source added.

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According to the source, another reason for his Biren Singh's silence is the inner struggle for the post of Chief Minister. "Whoever extends complete support to the Centre, is likely to become the CM, which explains why he is not doing anything against it. Many organizations are against it, however, the Government is avoiding the Bill completely", the source stated.

The source further added that situation in Manipur will deteriorate quite severely if it is passed. It may be mentioned that people in Manipur have been opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill tooth-and-nail, which, they claim, is against the interest of the indigenous people of the region.

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