CM, LoP clash in assembly, opposition walks out
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 10 2024: A heated exchange between chief minister N Biren and leader of opposition (LoP) former chief minister 0 Ibobi during the ongoing session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Friday culminated in a dramatic walkout by opposition members.

The walkout happened after rejection of a private member resolution, moved by the five-member opposition, which sought an appointment with the Prime Minister to discuss the ongoing conflict in the state.

The heated exchange arose during the zero hour when opposition leader O Ibobi addressed the House, expressing concern over the current turmoil in Manipur.

He criticised the treasury bench for not taking the opposition's proposals seriously, attributing this to their small numbers.

Ibobi reiterated his request to the government for shortening the budget discussion to allow for a more focused debate on the conflict.

He even suggested holding a secret session to explore possible resolutions.

Ibobi expressed his frustration at the ongoing armed confrontations in the state, particularly the skirmishes in Phougakchao Ikhai and gunfire heard in Pallel even as the assembly session was underway, which caused panic among the public.

He criticised the government for not addressing the root causes of the conflict, despite acknowledging the government's claims of geo-political nature of the conflict and the alleged involvement of foreign elements.

In response, CM N Biren, who is also in charge of home, challenged Ibobi's remarks, insisting that it was the responsibility of the government to report incidents like gunshots in Pallel to the House, rather than the opposition.

This led to a brief but heated exchange between the two leaders.

Ibobi continued his criticism, pointing out the government's failure to hold Panchayat elections and instead appointing administrators, which he described as "out of pocket" appointment.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over not allowing him to speak uninterrupted to raise issues even during the zero hour.

The speaker intervened, asking Ibobi to conclude his remarks, stating that his points had already been discussed during the ongoing session.

The speaker also mentioned that the CM had assured a meeting in his office to take steps towards securing an appointment with the Prime Minister.

However, Ibobi argued that since the government had acknowledged involvement of foreign elements in the conflict, it was imperative to meet with the Prime Minister and the external affairs minister to seek intervention.

He lamented the rejection of the private member resolution and accused the ruling party of not taking the opposition seriously due to their limited numbers.

As a result, the opposition has decided to walk out of the House and that they would not attend further sessions, Ibobi said.

Following his speech, all the five opposition members staged a walkout from the House, announcing that they would not attend any further sessions.

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