N Biren Singh hangs on to power, with a little help from New Delhi

Singh, who is 62, started his career as a footballer who was recruited by the Border Security Force (BSF) after his skills at an exhibition match caught the attention of a coach from the BSF Jalandhar

In his latest interview with news agency ANI, Nongthombam Biren Singh (pictured) framed his outlook on Manipur, indicating a hardened stance on the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis. The Manipur chief minister, a Meitei from the Imphal valley, was quoted rejecting the tribes’ demand for a separate administrative authority. While stressing the multi-ethnic composition of the state, he said: “We are one. Manipur is a small state but we have 34 tribes. All of these 34 tribes have to live together ... As CM, I promise I won’t allow Manipur to break up ...” Singh, now