Guwahati: Two months after Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma advocated for the reunification of the Kuki-Zo people across India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh responded sharply. He said that anyone challenging India’s integrity would face a strong reaction.
Speaking to the Kuki-Zo diaspora in the United States in September, Lalduhoma said that the community does not recognise boundaries between countries and expressed support for unifying the Kuki-Zo people, who are spread across three countries. He also said that his ethnic group, the Mizo, shares close ties with the Kuki-Zo of Manipur, the Chin of Myanmar and the Kuki-Chin of Bangladesh.
Biren Singh stands firm on national integrity
In response, Singh, at a school event in Imphal on Thursday, refrained from directly commenting on his Mizoram counterpart’s statement but asserted his nationalist stance. “As a nationalist and Chief Minister of Manipur, I firmly believe that no one can undermine the integrity of India and Manipur,” he said.
He urged people to take pride in their Indian identity, stressing the importance of maintaining national unity and adding, “We will give a fitting response to anyone who challenges the country’s integrity.” The Opposition Congress in Manipur also criticised Lalduhoma for his remarks, accusing him of undermining the unity and integrity of both India and Manipur.
Lalduhoma advocates for Kuki-Zo unity
In a statement from Mizoram’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Lalduhoma’s speech was quoted, where he said that his visit to the US was aimed at promoting unity for the Kuki-Zo people. He said that the community should not be divided by borders.
“We are one people, brothers and sisters, and cannot remain apart,” he said. He further expressed the belief that through divine strength, the Kuki-Zo people could overcome their divisions and eventually unite under one leadership to achieve nationhood. Lalduhoma’s predecessor, Zoramthanga, had previously drawn criticism from Singh for similar support of Kuki-Zo reunification.
