Supreme Court Orders Forensic Analysis of Audio Tied to Manipur Violence and Former CM

The Supreme Court of India has mandated a forensic examination of an audio recording that allegedly implicates former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the ethnic violence that has plagued the state. This directive was issued on Thursday by Justices Sanjay Kumar and K Vinod Chandran in response to a petition from the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which presented the full audio clip, reportedly over two hours long, for scrutiny.

The apex court has instructed the National Forensic Sciences University in Gujarat to conduct a thorough analysis of the audio. This examination will include a voice comparison of the recording with known samples of Biren Singh’s voice. The audio is purported to capture Singh discussing the origins of the ongoing conflict while taking credit for its escalation. It allegedly features him boasting about defying directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the use of explosive devices in the turmoil and allegedly covering for those involved in the unlawful seizure of weapons from police depots.

Since the outbreak of violence in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, the toll has been devastating, with over 260 fatalities and the displacement of more than 59,000 individuals. The ethnic clashes, fueled by underlying tensions between these communities, have also seen periodic surges in violence through 2024 and 2025, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the region.

Biren Singh, who served as the chief minister until February 2025, resigned amid mounting allegations from Kuki-Zomi-Hmar groups regarding his handling of the conflict. The situation has drawn national attention and raised questions about the state’s governance and the role of political leaders during times of crisis. As the forensic examination unfolds, it remains to be seen how the findings will impact not only Singh’s political future but also the ongoing efforts to restore peace and order in Manipur.

Source: scroll.in