Barish Sharma Blasts Biren Singh: In a scathing attack, Barish Sharma claims that N. Biren Singh is to blame for the turmoil gripping Manipur. His comments have escalated the situation, leading to public protests outside his residence.
BY PC Bureau
Barish Sharma, the former BJYM president, who created a sensation by accusing Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of “destroying” Manipur and being the mastermind behind the ethnic strife, has a chequered past riddled with shootouts, muscle-flexing, and cases of violent attacks. His political trajectory, marked by allegations of intimidation and criminal activities, has kept him at the center of controversy in Manipur’s turbulent landscape.
Manoharmayum Barish Sharma was appointed as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Manipur on August 4, 2021, by A. Sharda Devi, the President of BJP Manipur Pradesh. Before his appointment, he served as a section officer with the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple Board.
In March 2023, Barish Sharma was relieved from all activities of the BJYM, indicating a significant change in his political involvement.
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Born to Balram Sharma and Arambam Raina in Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Imphal, Barish Sharma was 27 years old at the time of his appointment, making him one of the youngest to hold the position in the BJYM.
Early Controversy: A Grenade at His Doorstep
The first publicized incident that brought Sharma into the spotlight occurred on February 10, 2022, when a hand grenade was found at the entrance of his residence in Wangkhei Ningthempukhri Mapal, Imphal East. The explosive device was discovered by Village Defence Force personnel at around 4 AM, prompting a security scare. While the identity of those responsible remained unknown, the incident pointed to growing tensions surrounding Sharma’s political activities.
Ex-BYJM leader Barish Sharma, who once planned to plant trees with guns in Thangting hills exposed Ex- CM Biren in a viral video today. Sharma accuses Biren of attempting to kill him and destabilizing Manipur under President’s Rule, calling him the architect of the state’s ruin. pic.twitter.com/47ZlC5NdqV
— Hen Kuki (@HennaryL) February 17, 2025
Attack on Congress Office and Rising Political Clashes
On July 29, 2022, Sharma and BJYM activists were accused of storming the Congress Bhavan in Imphal, allegedly attacking Congress workers who were protesting against Sonia Gandhi. The violent confrontation led the Manipur Congress to file an FIR against Sharma, giving the Imphal City Police a 24-hour ultimatum to register the complaint, failing which they threatened legal action. A video of the attack circulated widely on social media, showing BJYM activists, reportedly led by Sharma, forcibly entering the Congress office and threatening workers.
Arrest Under Arms Act Amid Manipur’s Unrest
In May 2023, amid escalating violence in Manipur, Sharma was arrested under the Arms Act by the Imphal East District Police. A special investigation team raided his residence in Ningthem Pukhri Mapal and recovered unauthorized firearms. Sharma, however, alleged that the police operation was an attempt to silence youth leaders during a time of crisis. He claimed that officers ransacked his house, stole money from a temple, and took gold ornaments. Despite his protests, his arrest deepened suspicions about his alleged role in Manipur’s volatile security situation.
Earlier today, State party President Smt @AShardaDevi inaugurated a two-day residential camp of BJYM Manipur Pradesh in the presence of Nat’l BJYM GS & Hon’ble MP Shri @RajuBistaBJP , State BJYM President Shri Barish Sharma and other office bearers. pic.twitter.com/D9E0KOqloE
— BJP Manipur (@BJP4Manipur) December 10, 2022
Shooting Incident: A Turning Point
The most serious allegations against Sharma emerged on October 14, 2023, when a shooting incident at Kwakeithel Konjeng Haraji Leikai left five people injured, including a woman. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of around 20 armed individuals attempted to abduct a local man at gunpoint. As locals resisted, the assailants fired multiple rounds before fleeing, injuring five civilians. Investigations led to the arrest of several individuals, including Sharma, who was named a prime suspect in the case.
On October 24, 2023, Manipur Police formally arrested Sharma for his alleged involvement in the shooting. He was charged under the Arms Act, criminal intimidation, violation of curfew, and attempted murder. Police sources confirmed that five others, including BJYM Manipur vice president Nongthombam Tony Meitei, were also taken into custody in connection with the case.
A Polarizing Figure in Manipur’s Political Landscape
Barish Sharma’s transformation from a youth leader to a figure embroiled in violence reflects the broader political and ethnic strife gripping Manipur. His allegations against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accusing him of destroying the state and fueling ethnic violence, further complicate his position. While some see him as a bold critic of the current administration, others view him as a political opportunist with a history of strong-arm tactics.
As legal proceedings continue, Sharma’s fate remains uncertain. Whether he will emerge as a martyr of political suppression or face conviction for his alleged crimes, one thing is clear—his journey from a BJP youth leader to an accused in multiple criminal cases has left an indelible mark on Manipur’s turbulent politics.
