Leaked audio clip accuses Manipur CM Biren Singh of instigating ethnic violence
Imphal: A leaked audio clip has surfaced, alleging that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh played a direct role in escalating the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the state. The 48-minute recording, obtained by The Wire, reportedly captures Singh taking credit for initiating violent operations and discussing the use of bombs despite orders from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to cease such actions.
According to the audio, Singh allegedly asked for proof of the rape of two Kuki women, even though he acknowledged the authenticity of photos related to the incident. The Manipur government has dismissed the allegations, claiming that the audio clip is fabricated.
In response to the leaked audio, 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs issued a statement on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, asserting that the recording established Biren Singh's complicity in the ethnic conflict “beyond an iota of doubt.” They urged the Commission of Inquiry set up by the Centre to expedite its investigation and prosecute the Chief Minister if found guilty. The MLAs also demanded Singh's removal from his position to prevent him from influencing the outcome of the probe.
The recording has reportedly been submitted to the Commission of Inquiry established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the violence that has claimed over 200 lives since May 2023. The voice, believed to be Singh’s, recounts a conversation with Shah, wherein the Home Minister questioned the use of bombs. Despite Shah's instructions to stop, Singh allegedly told his team to continue using bombs covertly.
In the same clip, Singh is heard expressing doubts about the May 2023 incident where two Kuki-Zo women were paraded naked and allegedly raped by a mob. Singh allegedly suggested that the Meitei community should have claimed credit for saving the women rather than focusing on the assault.
The audio also reveals Singh’s frustration over the increasing influence of the Kuki community in government positions, which he cited as a reason for initiating operations against them. The recording has raised serious concerns about Singh’s role in the ongoing violence and his use of social media to fuel communal tensions.
The Manipur government, however, has denied all the claims made in the leaked audio and maintained that the clip is not authentic.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
