Biren Singh a liability for party, state, people

Manipur's chief minister N Biren Singh is a liability for the state, its people and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and even President's Rule is preferable compared to his administration, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma said on Thursday, hitting out at his embattled neighbour over violence that has raged for 18 months now.

- Prawesh Lama

Speaking to HT in an interview, Lalduhoma also opposed the fencing of the India-Myanmar border and said disarming all militias in Manipur was the first step towards lasting peace.

"I am sorry to say that he (Biren Singh) is a liability to the state of Manipur. He has been a liability to his own people and his party," he said. "If his service is still needed, in my opinion, it is a necessary evil. More evil and less necessary."

Lalduhoma, who heads the Zoram People's Movement, also backed enforcing President's Rule for now in the neighbouring state.

"If we are going to compare President's Rule with the present government, then President's Rule is much more preferable. But if there can be a responsible government, elected body with a different leader, who can acknowledge the significant contribution made by tribal people for freedom struggle of this country, who recognises them as an integral part of India and genuine citizens of this country - then in that case, it may be better to have that kind of CM," he said.