IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has asserted that foreign powers may be involved in the recent communal riots in the state. Speaking at a cultural event, he characterized the ongoing unrest as a challenge to Indian unity.

Singh claimed that foreign elements, in collusion with terrorist groups operating in the northeastern states of India, could be behind the ethnically-driven riots. When questioned by the media about the potential involvement of foreign forces, the Chief Minister neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.

Given Manipur's proximity to the border with Myanmar and China, Singh expressed concerns about the 398 km stretch of the Manipur border that remains vulnerable. Security forces have been deployed in the area, although the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges of safeguarding such an extensive territory.

Singh emphasized that before external influences disrupted the peace, the 34 tribal groups of Manipur coexisted harmoniously. He stressed that the current crisis transcends tribal, religious, or ethnic divides.Since the riots began on May 3rd, over 200 fatalities and more than 300 injuries have been reported. Additionally, 54,488 individuals have been displaced as a result of the communal riots.