Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has strongly condemned a report by the NGO People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL), which claimed that the communal tensions in Manipur were not spontaneous but planned. He said such reports only deepen divisions in society, increase mistrust and create misunderstandings. N Biren Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur when violent clashes broke out between the Meitei community, who live in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki community, who live in the adjacent hilly areas, in May 2023. So far, more than 260 people have lost their lives in the violence and thousands have been displaced. BJP Rajya Sabha member Lisimba said that more than 3,000 FIRs will be registered against this claim by PUCL. Imphal-based human rights organization Human Rights International Freedom (HRIF) has threatened legal action against PUCL. The 694-page report by PUCL claimed that the violence was not spontaneous but was carried out in a planned manner. The report was prepared under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph. HRIF wrote to the editor of PUCL, alleging that the report titled ‘Independent People’s Tribunal on the ongoing communal conflict in Manipur’ is completely one-sided. It contains unverified facts, misleading information and a clear bias in favour of the Kuki community. In addition, the report deliberately ignores and distorts the suffering, facts and perspectives of the Meitei community. HRIF also said that the report ‘makes unverified and provocative allegations for which no concrete evidence has been presented.’ They also said that the language and one-sided presentation of the report could further exacerbate tensions between different communities in the state and harm the peace process. On the other hand, N. Biren Singh said that HRIF deserves to be congratulated for this initiative. I am sure that many other vigilant organizations are also preparing to take legal action against this discriminatory and divisive organization (PUCL), which has spread its hateful propaganda. An attempt has been made to divide Manipur through the report. He added that at a time when Manipur needs unity and peace, such reports only serve to further divide the society, increase mistrust and create misunderstandings. References NDTV, The Hindu, Dev Discourse, Meghalaya Monitor, NE Now, X Post by