A controversy has erupted in Manipur following senior Congress leader P Chidambaram's now-deleted social media post advocating for regional autonomy in the violence-hit state. His remarks have drawn criticism from both the Manipur Congress and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, intensifying the political and ethnic tensions gripping the state.

Chidambaram’s Controversial Post

In his post on X, Chidambaram criticized the deployment of additional central forces in Manipur, stating it was not a solution. He suggested:

• Removal of CM N Biren Singh, holding him responsible for the crisis.
• Granting genuine regional autonomy to the Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities.
• Urging the Prime Minister to visit Manipur and address grievances with "humility."

The post was deleted after Manipur Congress Chief Keisham Meghachandra urged Chidambaram to remove it, citing the volatile situation in the state.

Manipur Congress Condemns Chidambaram

State Congress leaders, including MLAs and former ministers, wrote to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, condemning Chidambaram's remarks.

"The language and sentiments expressed were highly inappropriate given the heightened tensions, public grief, and political sensitivity in the state," the letter read.

The leaders reiterated their commitment to Manipur’s unity and urged Kharge to take prompt action against Chidambaram.

Chief Minister Biren Singh’s Response

Chief Minister N Biren Singh accused Chidambaram of reigniting violence and creating the current crisis in Manipur.

“Chidambaram and the Congress created the crisis. During his tenure as Home Minister, he signed a controversial Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo militant groups, many of whom had ties to illegal immigrants from Myanmar,” Singh alleged.

Singh presented a photograph of Chidambaram with Thanglianpau Guite, chairman of the Zomi Revolutionary Army, who Singh claimed is a Myanmar-born individual linked to insurgency.

Singh also dismissed the notion of ethnic conflict, attributing the crisis to illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Myanmar.

“Congress leaders cannot wash their hands of this crisis. People understand the chronic problems they created during their rule,” Singh said.

Rising Violence in Manipur

Manipur continues to grapple with escalating violence:

• Clashes in Jiribam District have resulted in the deaths of 19 people, including women and children.
• Mob Attacks targeted residences of BJP legislators, a senior minister, and a Congress MLA in Imphal Valley, leading to an indefinite curfew.
• Offices of both the BJP and Congress were ransacked in the hill districts.

Central Forces Deployed

Amid the violence, the Centre has deployed 50 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to maintain order. Eight new companies, including units of the CRPF and BSF, arrived in Imphal on Wednesday to secure sensitive areas.

The Ethnic Divide

The conflict stems from long-standing tensions among Manipur's ethnic communities:

• Meitei Community: Advocates for territorial integrity and protection of their rights.
• Kuki Tribes: Demand separate administration for hill areas bordering Myanmar.
• Naga Groups: Have previously sought integration with Naga-inhabited areas across the northeast.

What Lies Ahead

The volatile situation in Manipur remains a challenge for both state and central authorities. With Congress leaders divided and the BJP government under fire, the path to peace and reconciliation appears uncertain. Political parties must tread carefully to address the ethnic, social, and political complexities fueling the unrest.