Imphal, Sep 30 (PTI) Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday wondered if a larger network with political interests had been working to destabilise the state and undermine his government.
The statement of Singh, who resigned as the chief minister in February last year following continued ethic violence, came a day after the NIA announced it had made two more arrests in connection with the 2024 armed ambush on his convoy.
“I appreciate the National Investigation Agency for the recent arrests in connection with the ambush on my convoy on 10 June 2024, including the arrest of the UKNA chief in Aizawl, who is also accused in the attack,” Singh said in a post on X.
The 2024 incident had occurred when unknown armed miscreants ambushed the then CM’s convoy on NH-37 near K Sinam village in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, causing grievous injuries to two security personnel and damage to government vehicles.
Singh said, “It is deeply disturbing that those accused in this case, as well as individuals linked to other brutal attacks, including the Tronglaobi attack, are cadres of the UKNA, a non-SoO group.”
Two children were killed and their mother was seriously injured in an IED attack by suspected militants at Tronglaobi in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on April 7. The NIA has also stated on Tuesday that it has arrested one person for his alleged involvement in the attack. Another person was apprehended in August.
Singh said, “This raises a serious question. Were they acting only for their own interests, or was there a larger network with political interests working to destabilise Manipur and undermine the then-elected government?”
The recent arrests have brought important links to light, the BJP leader said, seeking a thorough investigation.
“The people of Manipur deserve to know whether there was a wider network behind the violence and instability that began on 3 May 2023. Every link must be investigated. Every conspiracy must be exposed. Every person responsible must face the law.”
At least 306 people have been killed, and 49 remain missing, while thousands were rendered homeless in ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023 between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis.
Following the resignation of Singh as the CM, the state was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4. PTI CORR NN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.