Imphal (Manipur): Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday said that the current crisis in Manipur is not a clash between ethnic groups and not a law-and-order issue of the State, but purely a war against the Indian Union by Myanmar and Bangladesh based Kuki militants in collaboration with militant groups operating in Manipur.

During a press conference at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Biren further said that the current crisis was instigated by a group of people who want to disintegrate the State, but shown as ethnic or communal clash, or religion based, or between majority and minority, however, with the voice of people, the real cause has come up, he added.

Recalling the statement made by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in Parliament and by External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar on Manipur violence and more importantly the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) statement on arrest of Seiminlun Gangte, the Chief Minister spoke on the clear caused of the crisis. He also added that as the issue is war against the Indian Union, the Central Government will further take up necessary measures to tackle it.

The Manipur CM informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested 4 persons from Henglep, Churachandpur district in connection with the brutal killing of Phijam Hemajit and Hijam Linthoingambi, namely Paominlun Haokip, S Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite and Tinnuphing. He lauded the swift action taken by the CBI team including Army, Paramilitary forces and the State Police and arresting the culprits involved in the heinous crime in a short period of time.

He also reiterated the firm stance of the State Government to make sure that the culprits are given stringent punishment as per law.

Raising concern on disturbance caused to State Police personnel by the public for their act in mob control, the Manipur Chief Minister reminded the people that State forces including Manipur Police, IRB and Manipur Rifles were the one fighting in the frontline against armed miscreants in the periphery areas. He also appealed to the public to not have a negative view on State forces as there was loss of lives of personnel of State force and many got injured.

Biren further appealed to the public to obey the rule of law like seeking permission from concerned Deputy Commissioners while carrying out protests and rallies. “Misunderstanding and confrontation between protesters and security forces could be avoided, if we follow rules”, he added.