Imphal: In a major political upheaval in Manipur, ten legislators from the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities have called for stringent action against chief minister N Biren Singh, following allegations of his involvement in ethnic persecution as purportedly revealed in a series of audio recordings, now widely referred to as the “Manipur Tapes”.

The MLAs, representing the tribal Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities, have demanded that Chief Minister Biren Singh be prosecuted if found guilty of the accusations made in the tapes. The controversial recordings allegedly capture the Manipur Chief Minister making self-incriminating statements, including boasts about his role in the ethnic violence that has plagued the state.

In response to these allegations, the Manipur government issued a statement on August 20, categorically denying the authenticity of the tapes. The government described the recordings as “doctored” and aimed at inciting communal unrest and derailing ongoing peace efforts in the state.

The legislators argue that Chief Minister Biren Singh should be removed from office to ensure that he cannot influence any investigation related to the tapes. They emphasize that his continued presence in power could compromise the integrity of the inquiry.

The Manipur government urged the public not to believe in or spread unverified content circulating on social media and news platforms. The government warned that those found responsible for spreading false or misleading information would face legal action under applicable laws.

The so-called ‘Manipur Tapes’ allegedly feature Chief Minister Biren Singh openly admitting to his involvement in the ethnic persecution of the Kuki-Zo community.

One of the most damning claims in the tapes, as reported by the MLAs, is that Chief Minister Singh allegedly defied instructions from the Union Home Minister by clandestinely ordering the use of bombs on civilians, despite explicit orders not to do so.

The tapes also reportedly reveal that the Manipur Chief Minister played a role in obstructing investigations into the looting of thousands of weapons from state forces, and that he admitted to his involvement in the deaths of hundreds from the Kuki-Zo community while asking the Meitei community to refrain from criticizing him.

The legislators have submitted the tapes to the Judicial Commission led by Justice Lamba, further asserting that the authenticity of the recordings was corroborated by the Chief Minister’s brother, Rajendro Nong, who allegedly issued threats against those who leaked the tapes on social media.

In light of these revelations, the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs have reiterated their demand for the establishment of a separate Union Territory with its own legislature, believing this to be the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.