In a press meeting that was conducted on August 25, 2024, the Manipur Chief Minister N.Biren Singh who has been in the middle of controversy after the Manipur Tapes released by The Wire kept silent on the increasing acts of violence in his state or the serious allegations associated with the tapes. However, instead of doing that, Singh changed the topic and began to speak about the Jammu and Kashmir area which left many of the attendees utterly confused.
The Wire carried a series of reports called the Manipur Tapes which presents alleged phone conversations and activities of some key individuals in Manipur’s government including Singh. These reports have generated a lot of concern and criticism as they seem to indicate a higher level of complicity in the on-going unrest in the state. This paper examines the socio- political situation in Manipur as tension and violence arising from communal conflicts have brought fear and insecurity among the people of this state. The public as well as the political opposition were anticipating that Singh would clear the stand on the allegations or, on the least, speak on the increasing violence in the state.
But in the press conference Singh decided to shift the focus completely and brought it to Jammu and Kashmir exclusively. He spent a lot of time explaining the scenario in the so called northern zone, the problems it faces and the actions of the government. For instance, Singh talked about national security issues, integration of the region and developmental activities in Jammu and Kashmir. His decision to avoid the burning issues in Manipur and instead choose a place thousand of miles away further provoked a lot of questions as to what exactly he sought to achieve.
Critics opined that this attitude was perhaps a ploy, on the part of Singh, to divert attention of the issues that surrounded him and his administration. In changing focus towards Jammu and Kashmir that has been a center of national concern, perhaps Singh tried to align himself towards the nation’s feelings in a bid to reduce pressure on his government.
However, it seemed the tactic was not missed by the rivals either. As for the political commentators, they have observed that the common people of Manipur are still looking forward to the authorities to take some action on the unrest and violence that has engulfed the region. The chief minister has avoided these issues during the press conference and therefore added to the discontent and disappointment of the citizens of Manipur who are the victims of this conflict.
