The alleged remarks questioning the citizenship of Kuki candidates have drawn sharp criticism, deepening Manipur’s ethnic and political tensions.
BY PC Bureau
October 22, 2025: A storm of controversy has swept through Manipur following a viral post attributed to former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, which called for an inquiry into the citizenship and birthplace of 26 Kuki candidates who successfully cleared the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Central Police Organisation (CPO) Sub-Inspector Examination 2024.
The post, which tagged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and referenced an India Today report, claimed that “many Kukis from Myanmar and Bangladesh have joined the Indian security services with fake IDs,” describing it as a “very serious” issue.
However, after 12 hours of its circulation, Singh disowned the post, labeling it a fabricated screenshot designed to drag him into an unnecessary controversy. The incident has sparked heated debates on social media, drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, and reignited discussions about ethnic tensions, leadership, and the achievements of the Kuki community in Manipur.
The Alleged Post and Its Fallout
The controversial post, which surfaced on social media, was purportedly shared from N. Biren Singh’s official X account @NBirenSingh. It read: “Pls initiate an inquiry about the citizenship and birthplace of selected Kuki candidates. Many Kukis from Myanmar and Bangladesh have joined the Indian security services with fake ID, very serious.”
The post was linked to an India Today report about the selection of 26 Kuki candidates in the SSC CPO Sub-Inspector Examination 2024, a highly competitive national examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation for its inflammatory tone and for casting aspersions on the legitimacy of the Kuki candidates’ achievements. Critics argued that the post fueled ethnic prejudice and undermined the hard-earned success of Kuki youth, many of whom have faced significant challenges due to the ongoing socio-political unrest in Manipur.
Late Tuesday night, N. Biren Singh took to X to disown the post, stating: “It has come to my attention that a fabricated screenshot concerning the SSC result is being circulated to draw me into unnecessary controversy. This is an intentional attempt to mislead the public and create confusion. Similar cases have occurred three or four times before, clearly showing a pattern of deliberate misinformation. I urge everyone not to fall for such misleading content.”
It has come to my attention that a fabricated screenshot concerning the SSC result is being circulated to draw me into unnecessary controversy. This is an intentional attempt to mislead the public and create confusion. Similar cases have occurred three or four times before,…
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) October 21, 2025
Singh’s denial, however, did little to quell the storm. Many on social media questioned the authenticity of his account security, with some speculating about repeated hacks or mismanagement. X user @He_U_Da sarcastically remarked, “Is your account hacked again? For every misleading post, your account is hacked. No wonder this time won’t be different.”
READ: Opinion: Kuki Resistance 1917–1919: Restoring Historical Truths
READ: Young Kuki Slams Distortion of Anglo-Kuki War History
Others, including BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip, seized the opportunity to criticize Singh’s leadership. Haokip shared a screenshot of the alleged post and wrote cryptically, “He was CM. No wonder the Manipur violence,” linking Singh’s rhetoric to the ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023
.Another user, @Task72702160875 , issued a passionate plea for unity and fairness: “Stop Spreading Hate, Start Leading with Truth Dear Mr. CM @NBirenSingh . Leadership is about uniting people, not dividing them. The #Kuki youth you’re questioning are Indian citizens who have worked hard and persevered through unimaginable hardships — some even from relief camps — to succeed in national exams. Instead of casting doubt and hate, celebrate their determination and resilience. Every community deserves dignity and recognition, not suspicion. We are not from Myanmar or Bangladesh — we are from Outer Manipur (#Kuki_Hills), we are from India. Peace begins when prejudice ends.”
✊ Stop Spreading Hate, Start Leading with Truth
Dear Mr. CM @NBirenSingh,
Leadership is about uniting people, not dividing them. The #Kuki youth you’re questioning are Indian citizens who have worked hard and persevered through unimaginable hardships — some even from relief… pic.twitter.com/Y3ugKiT8dw— Haokip_On_Chain δ 🔶🌍 (@Task72702160875) October 21, 2025
The Kuki Students’ Organisation Responds
Amid the controversy, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters and its Sadar Hills unit issued statements celebrating the success of the 26 Kuki candidates who cleared the SSC CPO Sub-Inspector Examination 2024. The KSO described the achievement as a “symbol of resilience, perseverance, and hope amidst turmoil,” particularly in light of the challenges faced by the Kuki community due to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
In its congratulatory note, the KSO-GHQ emphasized the extraordinary nature of the candidates’ success, stating, “The success of Kuki candidates in such a competitive national examination is a testament of hard work, endurance, and strong determination.” The organization highlighted the adversities faced by the candidates, including displacement, disrupted education, and uncertainty caused by the unrest in Manipur. “Despite these challenges, their achievement radiates resilience for our entire community,” the KSO-GHQ added.
The KSO also acknowledged the role of Kuki-run coaching institutes such as Ultimate, Gunchu, Endurance, Accelerate, and Concept in preparing candidates for competitive exams. These institutes, the organization noted, have been instrumental in “reforming the career of several Kuki youths” and have consistently produced successful candidates in government job sectors.
The KSO Sadar Hills unit echoed these sentiments, describing the candidates’ success as “a dream realized, a future shaped, and a legacy begun.” The unit praised the candidates for their “unwavering dedication and consistent effort,” emphasizing that their selection reflects “honor, integrity, and commitment to the nation.”
The message urged the new Sub-Inspectors to carry out their duties with “courage, integrity, and purpose” and wished them success in their forthcoming training and service.
Both wings of the KSO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kuki job aspirants, particularly in navigating challenges related to exam centers, appointment orders, and other logistical issues. The organization concluded with a powerful message: “Well done, Tahchapa and Tahchanu! Your success brings honor to the Kuki Nation.”
