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States » EastPosted at: Mar 31 2025 9:10PM


Biren Singh accuses P.A. Sangma of advocating division of NE, Meghalaya CM hits back

Shillong, Mar 31 (UNI) A war of words has erupted between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh after the latter dragged former Lok Sabha Speaker (late) P.A. Sangma’s name into Manipur’s restive political discourse.
Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister of Manipur on February 9, 2025 -- two years after the bloody ethnic violence broke out in the state –- on Monday (March 31, 2025) took to his micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter) accusing the former Lok Sabha Speaker of advocating the division of the northeast along ethnic lines.
“Late 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 wrote on X.
The veteran BJP leader also attached an old video of Purno Agitok Sangma’s speech in the Lok Sabha to support his claims.
Stating that Manipur’s situation is “unique”, the former Chief Minister said, “This state (Manipur) 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.”
Tagging Conrad K. Sangma in his post, Singh further wrote, “After years of effort to safeguard indigenous populations, we have begun to make real progress, such as the implementation of ILP, a hard-won achievement. Shri Conrad K. Sangma should know that the violence was not spontaneous; it was instigated by those who feel threatened and insecure by this kind of progress.”
Further, Singh also questioned the Meghalaya Chief Minister whether he was aware of the security measures being taken in Manipur, stating, “Does Mr. Conrad Sangma know that Manipur had already initiated border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) now strictly regulated? Has he noticed the alarming rise in unrecognised villages within Manipur’s borders?”
Criticising external interference in Manipur’s affairs, saying, “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.”
In response, Conrad Sangma, who also heads the National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the BJP, dismissed the accusations and defended his father’s legacy.
“… the past statement of late PA Sangma regarding the creation of smaller states for different groups was in the context of the demand by different organisations representing different ethnic communities,” Conrad, the youngest son of the former Lok Sabha Speaker, said.
“The way Mr. Biren Singh is trying to portray the situation, while the state is reeling under a difficult phase, is uncalled for. It is clear that he wants to play dirty politics,” the Meghalaya Chief Minister countered.
Stating that it’s unfortunate that Singh has dragged the name of his father, Conrad said, the former Lok Sabha Speaker has always fought for the people of the northeast and was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the region.
“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 would have wanted,” the Meghalaya Chief Minister said.
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Tags: #Biren Singh accuses P.A. Sangma of advocating division of NE# Meghalaya CM hits back
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