FMR not scrapped, SoO withdrawal ineffective: Cong
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 05 2024:
The chief minister along with his ministers and MLAs are lying to the people by claiming that the Free Movement Regime (FMR) has been done away with and that the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) would soon be implemented in the state.
In reality, FMR has not been scrapped, and non-implementation of the resolution to withdraw Suspension of Operation (SoO) and update NRC in the state so far proves that the double engine BJP government is a liar, remarked Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra.
Speaking at the launch function of the election manifesto of Congress organised along with an interaction programme for Yaiskul and Konthoujam Block Congress at Congress Bhawan, here, on Friday, Meghachandra ridiculed consistent attempts by the BJP to hold the past government accountable for the present mess in the state and dubbed such attitude integral part of the saffron party's policy to woo votes.
He pointed out that while the Assembly took a resolution to withdraw from the SoO agreement but no concrete action has been taken up till date.
The FMR was put in place by the BJP government and it was claimed recently that the same was scrapped.
When he enquired about the same in the Assembly, the government responded that the centre had issued no order on removing FMR.
Additionally, NRC, which was passed in 2022, is yet to be implemented in the state.
So far, the double engine government of BJP has been lying on these matters.
If the orders are truly present, he demanded for the same to be made public, adding that Congress will extend its support in the election of BJP MPs.
Reacting to the CM's frequent claims that Congress is against implementation of NRC, Meghachandra said that it is up to the people whether to cast their votes for the INDIA Bloc candidate or not.
However, the suffering currently being experienced by the people is caused by the ruling government, which is continuing to lie and mislead the people.
He continued that on August 5, 2022, the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed a resolution for implementing NRC which was supported by Congress MLAs.
While the government refused to convene the Assembly session in view of the conflict, the recent session held in 2024 again took a resolution to implement NRC by amending the 2022 resolution with the support of the Congress.
"During the recent session, Congress staged walkout after the agenda for NRC implementation and other resolutions were excluded from the list of business.
Instead of defending the state, the government is busy spewing lies after lies.
On December 23, 2019, PM Modi attended a mega rally at Ram Leela Maidan in Delhi, where he stated that there is no discussion for implementation of NRC in the country contrary to which the union home minister announced that NRC will be implemented.
It is clear that there is miscommunication between Modi and Amit Shah.
In this regard, the PM s words can be taken as the truth, while that of the union home minister as misleading the people with an eye on garnering votes," he said.
Regarding the launch of the manifesto, Meghachandra said that it contains points which could bring huge changes in the country as it emphasises on a progressive Manipur and welfare of its people affected by the misgovernance of BJP.
The manifesto also assures introducing the Displaced Persons (Compensation and Resettlement) Bill.
He then said that if the people give their mandate to INDIA Bloc, it will address all issues as outlined in the manifesto.
Both candidates, Akoijam Bimol and Alfred Kanngam are leaders who know the hearts of the people, he asserted.
The MPCC president also opined that though the people make their opinions clear to the political leaders from time to time, many seem to lose their senses at the crucial moment.
During the conflict, the masses knocked on the doors of MPs and MLAs searching for answers and action.
However, when the judgement is about to come, thousands of people packed in buses are seen entering and exiting the CM's bungalow with "packets" in their hands on rotation basis.
Despite the Model Code of Conduct being in place, money is being distributed.
This is the answer to the people's concern of a not-so-free and fair election, he remarked, while questioning the status of the questions asked by every locality, Meira Paibi, youth and CSOs to the MPs and MLAs.
In his address, Congress candidate Dr Akoijam Bimol said that the present situation in Manipur has not been seen in the history of the state.
He continued that vehicular movement to Kangpokpi has ceased and it means offering tributes to the memorial sites of Paona Brajabashi, Nupi Lal and June 18 has been rendered meaningless.
He then urged all to visit the relief camps and not forget that there are many who do not have a home to return to.
Amidst this, the elections are being held as if no conflict occurred in the state and that the votes could be bought with money.
One should not forget that all these factors would lead to disintegration of Manipur, he cautioned, adding that anyone who truly loves the state will not abuse his/her power and money to win the polls.
The function was also attended by MPCC ex-president N Loken, ex-MP Dr T Meinya and other party leaders as well as workers.
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