Gaikhangam points accusing finger at Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2023: Former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has categorically stated that it is the lack of coordination among the MLAs and Ministers of the ruling party which hinder the peace process and dragging out the violence in Manipur for a prolonged period with no solution at sight.

Addressing the media at his residence at Mantripukhri today, the Congress leader said that the violence in Manipur could have been stopped before it spiralled out of control had the Government intervened and acted on time.

There were indications of unrest to hit the State since April 27/28 but the Government didn't act to put the situation under control, he added.

Gaikhangam points accusing finger at Govt

It is largely the fault of the Government that violence in Manipur has become protracted and they still don't show any commitment to restore normalcy, Gaikhangam charged and asked if the BJP Government, especially at the Centre, even takes the lives of Manipuri people seriously.

He further said that it is the responsibility of the Government to intervene if there are clashes among the people.

None can create any trouble if the Centre deploys adequate Central forces at buffer zones and gives them explicit orders to take strong action.

Claiming that the companies of 40/50 thousand Central security forces sent to Manipur are not given full authority to restore normalcy, the Congress leader opined that the Central and State Government can end this violence in a week if they are serious.

He asked if the Government has a hidden agenda in prolonging the violence.

The Government must form a peace committee to bring a lasting solution and also make people feel that Manipur will be incomplete either without hills or the valley, he asserted.

Instead of working together to douse the flame, the MLAs and Ministers of the ruling party seem lost and confused, the Congress leader stated.

Does the State Government have any MLAs and Ministers whom they can send to Kuki areas and talk about solutions, Gaikhangam asked and added that a sincere intervention from the Centre is indispensable to break this cycle of violence.

He went on to state that BJP Governments at both the Centre and the State are busy attacking the Opposition parties instead of putting priority on ending the violence.