Manipur MLA Md Achab Uddin has strongly denied allegations of supplying weapons to miscreants in Jiribam district, calling the claims “false and unfortunate.” His response comes a day after the apex Meitei body, Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL), accused him of aiding miscreants, an allegation that the organization later distanced itself from.
Speaking to reporters at his residence on Friday, Uddin asserted that he has always worked for the welfare of all communities in Jiribam, regardless of religion or ethnicity. “I am deeply upset by these baseless accusations. I have already filed a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the matter,” he stated. JAL, which initially issued the accusation, later released a clarification, stating that the allegations did not come from its executive body. However, the MLA pointed out that the clarification lacked an official signature, raising concerns about the credibility of the initial claim.
The original statement from JAL alleged that Uddin provided monetary assistance and war gear to certain groups, but it also emphasized that the Muslim community in Jiribam wishes to coexist peacefully with the Meiteis. In its revised statement, JAL urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and harmony in the district. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, leading to over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands. The situation escalated further after the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly remains under suspended animation.
