Biren Singh returns to Imphal after Delhi talks; Amit Shah reaffirms stand on Manipur's integrity

Former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, along with a Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba, returned to Imphal from Delhi this afternoon after a two-day emergency meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The two leaders apprised the Union Minister about the demand for the formation of a popular government, which the people of the state have also been calling for.

Addressing the media at Imphal International Airport upon his arrival, N Biren Singh said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah reassured them that there will be no compromise on the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost. He further reaffirmed that the interests of any particular indigenous communities of the state will not be harmed.

Biren shared that the Union Home Minister made an earnest appeal for peace and stability in the state.

Speaking about their meetings, he said that during their two-day visit to Delhi, two rounds of discussions were held with Amit Shah. The Union Minister is taking the Manipur issue very seriously.

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On the first day of their visit (June 9), the meeting was held from around 10:30 p.m. to midnight, and the next day the meeting was held again from around 3.15 pm to 4.30 pm.

In that meeting, they discussed issues including the internally displaced people, the current crisis in Manipur, and the Free Movement Regime, he added.

Biren informed that the process for restoring lasting peace in the state has already been initiated.

The Home Minister has started meeting community leaders one by one as part of a crucial step towards resolving the crisis, he added.

On the formation of a popular government, Biren said, “We have apprised him about the demand for a popular government in the state. The Home Minister responded that they also want to form a government but will observe the situation and take a call after discussion.”

Urging the people of the state to refrain from any form of violence and maintain peace, he added that the Government of India has a clear stand of not taking any step that would affect the interests of the indigenous people of the state.