Secret Tape Raises Questions About Manipur Chief Minister’s Role in Prolonged Violence
A recent leak of a confidential tape has cast a long shadow over the political landscape in Manipur, raising serious questions about Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s role in the continued violence that has gripped the northeastern state. The 48-minute tape, which was submitted to a Judicial Inquiry Commission headed by retired Justice Ajay Lamba, reportedly contains disturbing revelations. This commission was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to probe the ongoing violence in Manipur.
According to sources, the person who submitted the tape remains anonymous due to concerns over their safety. However, parts of the tape have already been made public by the Kuki Students’ Organization, while other segments have been shared with media outlets, slowly unveiling shocking details.
The most alarming aspect of the tape is the implication that Chief Minister Biren Singh may have had a direct hand in protecting those responsible for looting arms during the unrest. The tape allegedly includes conversations in which Singh appears to boast about saving the looters, who were reportedly village guards.
The Home Minister’s Dilemma
Adding another layer of controversy is the involvement of Home Minister Amit Shah. The tape includes a conversation in which Shah, during a video conference, strongly rebukes Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Virendra Singh, stating that the looted weapons must be recovered or else questions about his political future would arise. Despite this stern warning, only 1,757 of the 5,600 looted guns have been returned, and a mere 22,707 rounds of ammunition out of the 65 lakh rounds have been recovered. This has led to criticism of the government’s apathy towards the violence in Manipur.
Further revelations in the tape suggest that during a visit to Manipur on May 20, 2023, the Home Minister instructed the Chief Minister not to use bombs, a command that was apparently ignored. The Chief Minister is allegedly heard responding that while bombs should not be used openly, they should be used discreetly. Following this, reports indicate that bombs were indeed used, including those looted from Manipur Police armories.
The Situation on the Ground in Manipur
The situation in Manipur remains tense and far from under control. In a recent session of the Manipur Assembly, Chief Minister Biren Singh presented grim statistics: 226 people have been killed, 39 are still missing, and violence has affected over 11,000 locations. Additionally, over 55,000 people are currently displaced, living in relief camps, and the livelihoods of thousands have been destroyed due to the ongoing strife. The violence, which has persisted for over a year, has led to a state of near-civil war.
The central government’s handling of the situation has also come under scrutiny. Despite repeated calls for President’s rule in Manipur, the BJP remains silent on the issue, perhaps due to the “double-engine” government—a term used to describe states where both the central and state governments are led by the BJP.
Government’s Denial and the Public’s Doubts
In response to the tape, the government has claimed it to be fake, dismissing it as another fabricated story fueled by modern technologies like artificial intelligence. However, the contents of the tape align too closely with the reality on the ground for many to dismiss it entirely. The ongoing unrest in Manipur only adds weight to the credibility of the tape, leading to widespread speculation about its authenticity and the implications for the Chief Minister and the central government.
As the Judicial Inquiry Commission continues its work, all eyes are on whether the contents of the tape will be verified and what this could mean for the future of Manipur’s leadership. For now, the state remains in turmoil, with no end to the violence in sight. Despite the ongoing crisis, the central government has yet to implement concrete measures to restore peace in the region, leaving many wondering whether the slogan “Modi hai to mumkin hai” (“With Modi, it’s possible”) still holds true in Manipur.
As the investigation unfolds, the truth behind the tape and its potential impact on both the state and national leadership will become clearer. Until then, Manipur remains engulfed in violence, with its people waiting for justice and peace.