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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Unattended bag at RG Kar hospital triggers panic
Kolkata, Sep 12: An unattended bag at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital here triggered panic on Thursday, following which a bomb disposal squad rushed to the spot.
According to TV visuals, the bomb disposal squad along with sniffer dogs were investigating the site, the place where the junior doctors have been protesting since August 9. Presently, the spot is vacant as the medics are protesting outside Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake.
According to police sources, no evidence of any harmful objects has been recovered yet.
"The bomb disposal squad is inspecting the bag," a police official said.
