Manipur Slams Mizoram CM Lalduhoma Over “Unwarranted Comments” and “Division” Claims

GG News Bureau
Imphal, 30th Nov. The Manipur government has strongly responded to Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s remarks, urging him to show “better statesmanship” and be a “good neighbour” rather than fueling “hatred and division.” In a statement issued on Friday, the Manipur government accused Lalduhoma of stoking tensions by making comments that, it says, reflect secessionist interests.

The statement criticized Lalduhoma’s recent interview in which he suggested that President’s Rule would be preferable over the leadership of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. He also questioned the efficacy of border fencing in stopping smuggling along India’s borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Manipur government dismissed these views as detached from reality and accused the Mizoram CM of promoting division by advocating for the reunification of the Zo people across regional borders.

“Manipur will not allow fragmentation of Northeast India at the behest of foreign vested interests or secessionist groups,” the statement read. It also highlighted that the ongoing crisis in Manipur is linked to the economic impact of the “War on Drugs,” targeting illegal poppy cultivation by Myanmar-based immigrants, not due to any “anti-tribal” policies as claimed by Lalduhoma.

The statement further pointed to the increasing number of Kuki-dominated villages in Manipur and alleged that Mizoram had become a favored route for the trafficking of illegal arms and drugs. It called on Lalduhoma to focus on these concerns within his own state rather than making “unwarranted” comments about Manipur’s actions.

Manipur’s government emphasized that it was working toward restoring peace, with ongoing relief efforts for over 60,000 displaced people, while efforts to recover looted arms continue. The statement concluded by warning that any attempts to push illegal Kuki-Chin immigrants into Manipur for land grabbing and the creation of a “Greater Mizoram” would be met with strong legal action.

The Mizoram government has yet to respond to the statement.