Manipur CM Clarifies Speculations on Mizoram CM's Role as Interlocutor

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh dismissed rumors that Mizoram CM Lalduhoma has been appointed as an interlocutor for peace talks. Singh clarified that a casual conversation with Lalduhoma during a NITI Aayog meeting was misconstrued. He urged the media to avoid spreading unverified information.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday rebutted claims that his Mizoram counterpart, Lalduhoma, has been named an interlocutor for peace talks in the state, calling such reports speculative.

Speaking in the assembly, Singh explained that a casual conversation with Lalduhoma during a recent NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi was blown out of proportion. He urged media and social media influencers to avoid publishing unfounded news content.

Singh clarified, 'I met the chief ministers of Nagaland, Assam, and Mizoram during the NITI Aayog event. During a casual chat, I invited the Mizoram CM to visit our state. This was misinterpreted as him being appointed as an interlocutor.' He added that the decision to appoint an interlocutor lies with the PMO and the home ministry, and no discussions or steps have been taken in this regard. Manipur has faced ethnic clashes since May last year, resulting in over 200 deaths.