'Former Govt failed to use powers conferred by Constitution'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 23 2025: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that the Government's failure to utilize the powers granted to it by the Constitution of India is the prime reason for the current issues engulfing Manipur.

Addressing a Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Padayatra at Heingang Mayai Leikai today, Ibobi who is the CLP leader continued that the ongoing crisis in Manipur is a result of the BJP Government's failure to effectively use the power bestowed upon it by the Constitution.

Saying that the Constitution empowers State Governments to manage crises within their respective territories, Ibobi pointed out that the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur is a clear indication that the Manipur Government (now placed under suspended animation) had failed to handle the crisis besetting Manipur.

'Former Govt failed to use powers conferred by Constitution

Ibobi also criticized the BJP MLAs for apportioning the blame on the Congress party instead of addressing the ongoing crisis.

The BJP MLAs repeatedly bring up past conflicts, such as the Naga-Kuki clash and the Pangal-Meetei clash, to water down their own failure in the ongoing conflict, said Ibobi.

The Godhra incident of 2002 was resolved in just three days, but the crisis in Manipur still persists, he said while questioning the Centre's response to Manipur.

It seems like the Centre wants more bloodshed in Manipur, he added.

Further stating that the Supreme Court had flagged a Constitutional crisis in Manipur during the initial stage of the conflict, Ibobi questioned whether the Centre views Manipuris as second-class citizens.

Does the Centre value the rights and lives of Manipuris as much as those of other Indian citizens, questioned the former Chief Minister.

Ibobi also accused Prime Minister Modi of being silent on the Manipur crisis, while attempting to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president K Meghachandra and general secretary P Saratchandra also attended the programme organised by Heingang Block Congress Committee.