Don't cross line: Manipur MP to Mizoram lawmaker who advocated separate admins to end strife

PTI, IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 25, 2024: Rajya Sabha member from Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, hit out at Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena for advocating "separate administrative units" for the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to end the ethnic conflict in Manipur. Sanajaoba said that Vanlalvena should not "cross the line" and urged him to stop interfering in Manipur's internal matters.

Vanlalvena, a leader of the BJP ally Mizo National Front (MNF), had called for the removal of the N. Biren Singh government in Manipur and the imposition of President's rule as the "first and immediate step" to contain the violence that has claimed over 250 lives since May last year.

In response, Sanajaoba posted on X, saying, "My friend, don't cross the line... Please confine to your state issues... Stop interference in Manipur's issues... Be a good neighbour." He shared a news report highlighting Vanlalvena's comments.

In an interview with PTI, the Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram had pitched for a two-step solution to end the ethnic violence in Manipur. "Imposition of President's rule is inevitable for the immediate solution. During such a period, the Centre should thoroughly study the situation and demarcate land occupied by both Meiteis and tribal communities," Vanlalvena had said on Friday night.

He further proposed that the two communities should be administered separately, as the divide between them is "very wide." "The hill tribes can't go to the valley. Similarly, the Meiteis no longer dare to go to the hill areas. New administrative units should be created in land occupied by both the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo people to bring a lasting solution and end the conflict," he added. The Kuki-Zo people of Manipur share ethnic ties with Mizos.