Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said that initiating dialogue is his top priority to restore confidence and security among the people of the state.

Five months after the initial clashes in the state during a tribal solidarity march on May 3, Singh refrained from categorising the crisis as an ethnic conflict, instead attributing the violence to “external forces” affected by his wars on drugs and illegal immigration.

Singh dismissed the Manipur High Court order regarding the Meitei demand for inclusion in the state’s Scheduled Tribes list as the cause of the May 3 violence. He cited that his government had not acted on the court order, giving no reason for the Kukis to be concerned.

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“My top priority is initiating dialogue with all affected communities, including the Meiteis and Kukis. I have already started (conversations) through some (informal) channels with those who have suffered… I am committed to comforting those who have suffered,” Singh stated, highlighting the work of a peace committee established three months ago.

Regarding the failure to anticipate tension leading up to the violence, Singh mentioned that he had instructed the Director General of Police to provide security to all vulnerable districts on the day of the solidarity march but later discovered inadequate security in Churachandpur district, which has a majority Kuki population.

He declined to comment further on the May 3 incident, as it is the subject of a judicial inquiry by the Union government.

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Responding to concerns about the Union Government’s extensive involvement in state affairs, including appointing a new DGP, security advisor and extended visits by Union ministers, Singh expressed confidence in enjoying the Centre’s full trust. He suggested that these appointments might be aimed at avoiding any perception of imbalance, given his own community affiliation.

Singh also praised the Union Home Minister for instilling confidence in him to continue fighting against the challenges.

“Ek mereko confidence diya hai Grih Mantri ji ne ki himmat nahi harna aur himmat se ladna (The Home Minister has given me the confidence to never give up and continue fighting with courage). These words have helped me feel reborn again. Sometimes I was so frustrated, but Grih Mantri ji hamesha vishwas dilate rahe (but he always helped me keep faith),” he asserted.

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He dismissed concerns about losing his constituents’ trust, explaining that the recent incident involving a mob attempting to storm his ancestral home was politically motivated and instigated by opposition members.

Regarding the video of Kuki women being paraded naked, Singh condemned the act and applauded the Meitei community for stepping in to save the victims. He noted that the Meitei community mobilised and handed the culprits to the authorities.

When asked why he hadn’t met any of the victims’ families, Singh cited the tense situation at the time and the fear of being perceived as biased. He mentioned visiting relief camps in both communities instead.

On the topic of the Free Movement Regime introduced in 2018, Singh expressed concerns about individuals from another country having unrestricted movement within Indian territory.

To address concerns of impartiality as a Meitei CM, Singh highlighted the inclusion of Kukis in his inner circle of officers and his past actions, such as recognising ‘Kuki Rising Day’ as a gazetted holiday, to demonstrate his commitment to representing all communities impartially.