Chidambaram’s Autonomy Remarks Spark Backlash from Manipur Congress Leaders

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram’s social media post advocating regional autonomy for Manipur’s ethnic communities has ignited a political storm, prompting Manipur Congress leaders to call for disciplinary action against him.

His remarks, which were later deleted, have drawn criticism from both within the party and outside.

Chidambaram’s Controversial Post

In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), Chidambaram stated that increasing the deployment of security personnel would not solve Manipur’s crisis.

Instead, he emphasized the need for political wisdom, citing three key steps: removing Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, granting genuine regional autonomy to the Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga communities, and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur to directly address grievances.

“It is more wisdom: acknowledging that Mr. Biren Singh, the chief minister, is the cause of the crisis and removing him immediately. It is more understanding: that the Meitei, the Kuki-Zo, and the Naga can live together in one State only if they have genuine regional autonomy. It is more statesmanship: for the Hon’ble PM to give up his obstinacy, visit Manipur, and speak to the people of Manipur with humility and learn first-hand their grievances and aspirations,” he wrote.

Manipur Congress Leaders Seek Action

In response, 10 senior Manipur Congress leaders, including current MLAs, former ministers, and ex-Congress presidents, wrote to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging him to take action against Chidambaram.

The leaders convened a meeting to address the issue, where they condemned the post as “highly inappropriate” during a period of heightened public sensitivity and grief in Manipur.

The letter to Kharge stated: “Congress party always stands for the unity and territorial integrity of the state of Manipur. We request AICC for prompt appropriate action against Shri P. Chidambaram for his post today and direct him to delete it immediately.”

Manipur Congress Chief K. Meghachandra also reacted swiftly to the post, publicly asking Chidambaram to delete it, citing the sensitive situation in the state.

State Congress Distances Itself

Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh clarified that Chidambaram’s statement was personal and did not represent the Congress’ official stance.

Speaking to the media, Singh said, “This is purely his own view. Immediately when we saw his tweet, we informed Mallikarjun Kharge ji. He spoke to senior leaders and asked Chidambaram to delete it. We have also requested the AICC for appropriate action.”

BJP Responds with Sharp Criticism

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also weighed in, accusing Chidambaram of sowing the seeds of the current conflict during his tenure as Home Minister.

He specifically pointed to the 2008 Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with the Zomi Revolutionary Army, alleging that it contributed to the unrest in the state.

Meanwhile, BJP President J.P. Nadda responded with a letter to Kharge, accusing the Congress of sensationalizing the Manipur crisis. He alleged that the Congress’ policies during its rule encouraged militant activities and destabilized peace in the region.

“What is shocking is how repeated attempts are being made by the Congress party to sensationalize the situation in Manipur. It appears that you have forgotten that not only did your government legitimize the illegal migration of foreign militants to India, P. Chidambaram, the erstwhile Home Minister, had signed treaties with them,” Nadda’s letter stated.

Congress’ Counter-Response

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh swiftly countered Nadda’s allegations in a post on X, accusing the BJP of engaging in a “4D exercise” of denial, distortion, distraction, and defamation.

He also defended Kharge’s earlier letter to President Droupadi Murmu, which criticized the Union and state governments for their failure to restore peace in Manipur.

Ramesh’s post read: “Kharge ji wrote to the President of India on Manipur. Apparently, to counter that letter, the BJP President has now written to the Congress President. Nadda ji’s letter is, not surprisingly, full of falsehoods and is a 4D exercise.”

Kharge’s Letter to the President

Amid the escalating political tension, Kharge’s letter to President Murmu detailed the tragic state of affairs in Manipur. He highlighted the loss of over 300 lives, the displacement of nearly one lakh people, and the government’s inability to restore normalcy over the past 18 months.

“With every passing day, the people of Manipur are becoming insecure on their own soil. Having witnessed their infants, babies, children, and women getting mercilessly killed, they have lost faith in the Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of the state to protect their lives and properties,” Kharge wrote.

The Path Ahead

The controversy over Chidambaram’s remarks underscores the complexities of addressing the Manipur crisis.

While Congress continues to push for accountability from the BJP-led governments, internal discord within the party over sensitive issues like regional autonomy could impact its position in the region. The spotlight remains on Manipur’s struggle for peace and the political responses shaping its future.