PA Sangma advocated ‘dangerous idea’ of dividing northeast along ethnic lines: Biren Singh

A war of words broke out between former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday. Singh criticised the latter's father, late PA Sangma for advocating the "dangerous idea" of breaking the northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines. He said now similar attempts are being made to interfere in the strife-torn state's internal affairs to destabilise it.

The controversy broke out after Biren Singh in a social media post said that former Lok Sabha Speaker and Union Minister PA Sangma had batted for breaking the Northeast into smaller states, and even posted a video of the departed leader speaking on the issue in Parliament.

"It’s unfortunate that N Biren Singh ji has dragged the name of (L) PA Sangma ji... Sangma ji always fought for the people of the northeast. He was a strong advocate for different issues and rights of the people of the northeast. At this time, everyone’s efforts should be towards the restoration of peace and harmony in Manipur and not indulge in political posturing. We all have to work together. I once again appeal to everyone to work for the betterment of the people of Manipur. This is what (L) PA Sangma ji would have wanted,” the Meghalaya CM said in a post on X.

In a post on his X handle, the former Manipur CM said, “Late PA Sangma once advocated for dividing the northeast into smaller states along ethnic lines — a dangerous idea that threatened the unity of our nation. Today, we are seeing similar attempts to interfere in Manipur’s internal affairs to destabilise the state. Manipur’s situation is unique. This state is home to several small, vulnerable indigenous communities whose protection necessitated the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).”

Singh tagged his post with Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma and said, “After years of efforts to safeguard indigenous populations, we have begun to make real progress such as the implementation of ILP, a hard-won achievement. Shri Conrad K Sangma should know that the violence was not spontaneous, it was instigated by those who feel threatened and insecure by this kind of progress. Does he know that Manipur had already initiated border fencing? That the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is now strictly regulated? Has he noticed the alarming rise in unrecognised villages within Manipur’s borders?”

“It must be noted that when Manipur was facing these serious challenges, others refrained from interfering in our internal affairs,” Biren Singh said.

He added that the same courtesy was expected, yet some chose a different path, one driven by narrow interests rather than genuine concern.

“Today, various groups across the northeast are beginning to recognise the seriousness of FMR, ILP and border security. Manipur’s experiences should serve as a lesson, not a platform for political posturing. Manipur is home to 32 indigenous tribes whose identities, cultures, and way of life deserve protection,” Singh noted further.

Manipur has been under the President’s rule since February 13, four days after Biren Singh, who was heading a BJP-led government for the second term, resigned on February 9, following ethnic violence for over 23 months.