Ibobi refutes RK Ranjan's charges
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2023: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has rejected the allegation raised by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan against the previous Congress administration of dividing the hill and valley people and linking the ongoing violence with their policy.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan today, Ibobi, who is also the CLP leader, reminded the Union MoS of the statement he gave to the media on the bad law and order situation in Manipur under BJP Government shortly after his house at Kongba Ucheckon was set ablaze by a mob.

People know very well the situation in Manipur and the failure of the BJP Government under N Biren Singh to control law and order, Ibobi added.

Saying that the Union MoS blaming the previous Congress administration for inciting the violence in Manipur was ridiculous and unfortunate, Ibobi said that the BJP shouldn't blame others with no proof just to protect their image.

The former Chief Minister also said that the Congress party doesn't want to politicise the issue in Manipur or engage in blame games as it wouldn't bring any solution.

Further stating that the recent visit of Rahul Gandhi to Manipur was only to listn to the grievances of the people at relief camps and not to gain political mileage, Ibobi urged the BJP Government to focus on defusing the tension in Manipur instead of politicising the issue.

He then appealed to one and all to contribute in restoring normalcy in Manipur.

There is no respite from gun violence in Manipur till today, Ibobi said and added that Union MoS Dr Ranjan can also exercise authority to douse the flame in Manipur instead of engaging in blame games.

The former Chief Minister continued that Dr Ranjan can seek an appointment for the ruling and Opposition MLAs with the Prime Minister if he is committed to bring the law and order situation in Manipur under control.

It would be very wrong for the Union MoS to blame the Congress for the violence in Manipur instead of putting pressure on the Centre to solve the issue, Ibobi reiterated.

Saying that the Congress party endorses the demand being raised by Meira Paibi lups and civil society organisations to convene a special session of the State Assembly and they have even submitted a memorandum to the Governor for the same, Ibobi maintained that the Governor will never turn down when the Cabinet took a decision to call the Assembly session.

On not attending the all-political party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Imphal, Ibobi clarified that they were at New Delhi at that time seeking an appointment with the President.

The senior Congress leader also claimed that they sought an audience with Amit Shah after they came back to Manipur but the same was denied.

Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam, deputy CLP leader K Ranjit and several MPCC leaders also attended the press briefing, among others.

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