Shah summons Biren amid row over role in clashes

Just two days after a Supreme Court Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, sought a forensic report on an audio clip allegedly of embattled Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh — reportedly claiming he incited the 2023 ethnic violence — Singh has been summoned to Delhi by Home Minister Amit Shah.

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The meeting comes amid speculation of political turmoil within the BJP government in Manipur, as a large group of ruling MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction with Singh’s leadership and are threatening to withdraw support.

Rift in manipur

• A large group of ruling MLAs has expressed dissatisfaction with Biren Singh’s leadership and is threatening to withdraw support.
• Although details of Singh’s agenda remain unclear, sources indicate that his likely meeting with Shah will focus on key issues related to Manipur’s security situation.

Singh reached the national capital on Wednesday afternoon, as discussions between Manipur’s political leaders and the Central Government continue. His visit follows a series of engagements between state leaders and Shah.

On January 27, Manipur minister Y Khemchand met Shah, while Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata had also held discussions with the Home Minister last month. These were followed by multiple rounds of talks between Shah and BJP ministers and MLAs from Manipur.

Reports suggest that before his meeting with Shah last month, Khemchand had met several BJP MLAs in Imphal who voiced concerns over Singh’s leadership and his handling of the nearly two-year-long ethnic conflict.

Although details of Singh’s agenda remain unclear, sources indicate that his likely meeting with Shah will focus on key issues related to Manipur’s security situation.