New Delhi- In a significant escalation of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, allegations against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh have surfaced, accusing him of complicity in the ethnic violence that has ravaged the state since May 2023.

Prominent public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR), has filed a representation demanding a full-fledged investigation into Biren Singh’s alleged role in orchestrating ethnic violence in the state.

The representation, addressed to the Commission of Inquiry on Manipur Violence and other relevant authorities, has sparked nationwide debate over the Chief Minister's potential complicity in the ethnic strife that has plagued the region for over a year now.

Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has been embroiled in ethnic violence primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has led to hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction, displacing thousands and leaving the state in turmoil. The violence has centered around ethnic tensions, with allegations that the state government has been biased in its handling of the situation.

Allegations Against CM N. Biren Singh

The representation by Prashant Bhushan on behalf of the KOHUR alleges that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has not only failed to curb the violence but has also actively abetted and orchestrated it. The document calls for the immediate registration of an FIR against Singh and other unknown individuals for their alleged involvement in serious crimes, including mass murder, sexual offenses, and the illegal distribution of arms.

Key to these allegations is a 48-minute audio recording submitted by KOHUR, which reportedly captures a closed-door conversation involving Singh. In the recording, Singh allegedly confesses to abetting the violence and coordinating attacks on Kuki-dominated areas, using incendiary devices and other heavy weaponry. The organization claims that this recording, supported by an affidavit attesting to its authenticity, reveals Singh’s instrumental role in the ethnic violence.

Excerpts from the Audio Recording

The audio recording allegedly captures Chief Minister N. Biren Singh discussing his involvement in violent activities. According to the representation, Singh, in a conversation with other officials, admits to using bombs and other heavy ammunition against Kuki-dominated regions, despite explicit instructions from central government officials to refrain from doing so.

One particularly damning section of the recording allegedly captures Singh recounting a conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Singh is quoted as saying:

"When Amit Shah came here, he asked, 'Biren Ji! Are you using bombs?' After he [Shah] left, I told them; 'Do it covertly, not openly.' If you don't trust me, check with the commandos in the frontline."

The recording also purportedly reveals Singh’s efforts to shield Meitei militants who looted thousands of firearms from state armories, advising them to "buy some time" and avoid arrest.

Moreover, the representation claims that Singh downplayed the horrific incident of Kuki-Zo women being paraded naked, making light of the situation and attempting to conceal evidence. The Chief Minister allegedly expressed a desire to reward those involved in this incident rather than holding them accountable. The representation asserts that from the attached audio recording, it is clear that the accused is not only unremorseful of his stated pivotal role in planning, inciting and perpetuating the on-going ethnic violence in Manipur, but is also glorifying his own actions. It is evident that the accused person is well aware of the consequences of his actions, and has evidently put in years of meticulous planning and conspiracy to put his violent designs into effect.

The representation highlights Singh’s apparent bias against the Kuki-Zo community. In the recording, Singh is heard expressing resentment over the community's representation in the state secretariat, accusing them of "total capture." The organization argues that Singh’s prejudiced views have directly influenced his governance, leading to the ethnic cleansing of Kuki-dominated areas.

The KOHUR has accused Singh of meticulously planning and executing his violent designs over several years, making him unfit to hold office. They assert that under Singh's leadership, peace and normalcy in Manipur cannot be restored, as the ethnic violence has the full backing of the state government.

Demands for Accountability

KOHUR has called for immediate action, demanding that the Commission of Inquiry and other central authorities take over the investigation. They argue that the Manipur Police, which reports directly to the Chief Minister, cannot be trusted to conduct an impartial investigation. The organization has also urged the removal of N. Biren Singh from his position as Chief Minister to prevent further violence and ensure a fair inquiry.

Prashant Bhushan, in his representation, emphasized that the Supreme Court-appointed Supervisory Investigating Officer, Dattatray Padsalgikar (Retd. IPS), must oversee the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. The organization believes that only through a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible, including Singh, can justice be served, and the cycle of violence in Manipur be broken.

The allegations against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh have sparked widespread outrage, with calls for his resignation growing louder. Various human rights organizations, both within India and internationally, have expressed concern over the situation in Manipur and the alleged state-sponsored violence against the Kuki-Zo community.

The situation has also attracted the attention of the international community, with several foreign governments and human rights bodies monitoring developments closely.