Mugdha Das

Hostility between former Manipur CM and Meghalaya CM?

Digital Desk: A fresh political flare-up in the Northeast has brought to the forefront a brewing silent war between former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. 

The hostility between the two former allies seems to be escalating, with Singh lashing out at Sangma for meddling in Manipur's internal matters. Singh accused Sangma of using the Manipur situation for "political posturing," sparking a heated exchange. 

The former Manipur CM went as far as to drag Sangma's father, the late P. A. Sangma, into the issue.

Singh posted a video on X of P. A. Sangma speaking in Lok Sabha in 2014, where he advocated for the creation of smaller states in the Northeast on ethnic lines. 

Singh deemed this proposition a threat to national unity, tantamount to dividing the Northeast.

Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Monday claimed that the conflict in the state was a result of multiple challenges, including drugs, illegal immigration and the destruction of forests.

This fresh political flare-up comes on the heels of Conrad Sangma's National People's Party (NPP) withdrawing support from the BJP-led government in Manipur. 

The NPP cited the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, which has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced thousands. 

In a sharp reaction, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed disappointment over former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's mention of his late father, P.A. Sangma, in the ongoing controversy. 

CM Sangma stated that his father never advocated for smaller states in the Northeast region.

CM Sangma took to social media to convey his sentiments and termed the event as ‘unfortunate.’

He further emphasized that his father was a strong advocate for the people of the Northeast and fought tirelessly for their rights and issues.

In a direct response to N. Biren Singh, Conrad Sangma posted on X, stressing that everyone's efforts should focus on restoring peace and harmony in Manipur rather than engaging in political posturing. 

He also made an appeal to work towards the betterment of the people of Manipur, adding that this is what his late father, P.A. Sangma, would have wanted.