Joykumar slams Govt failure to curb Kuki attacks
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 12 2024: National People's Party (NPP) national vice-president and former deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar has criticised the Biren-led government, describing it as weak and ineffective in handling the recent surge in attacks on civilians Kuki militants.

Speaking at a press conference held at his Naoremthong residence on Tuesday, Joykumar expressed concern over the government s alleged lack of decisive action and called for a more assertive approach.

The recent series of attacks by Kuki militants has highlighted the government's inability to act decisively, Joykumar claimed, emphasising that while discussions and dialogue are important, they should be backed by demonstration of governmental power.

Referring to the government's failure to act effectively in the past few days, he said that there has been no significant response or concrete action from the government amid these attacks.

Joykumar noted out that when the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiated a meeting in Delhi among BJP MLAs from different communities, there was a sense of hope among the people.

However, he lamented the lack of follow-up steps, stating that the government should act and show its power before engaging in dialogue.

He criticised the government's repeated assurances of action that have yet to be substantiated by actual measures, and stressed that it is not the time for such verbal assurances.

He also suggested strengthening and empowering state's forces to prevent the crisis from further aggravation.

The former deputy chief minister highlighted the recent incident where CM Biren cancelled his visit to Jiribam following an ambush on his advance security t,eam.

According to Joykumar, this decision emboldened the militants.

The cancellation bolstered the courage of the militants, he said.

While acknowledging that CM Biren has shown concern for the indigenous population, Joykumar called for decisive leadership.

He pointed out that even before the recent attacks in Jiribam, reports about armed Kuki militants heading toward the area were common knowledge.

Even ordinary people knew about the presence of militants heading to Jiribam, let alone government intelligence, Joykumar remarked.

He criticised the government for remaining silent despite the warnings and urged the CM to take all possible measures to address the situation.

Joykumar further expressed that the recent escalation in violence has taken severe toll, leaving little hope for peace in the near future.

The situation took a drastic turn in the past few days.

There is no longer any hope of peace returning any time soon.

Will protracting the crisis be the solution, he questioned.

He underscored that as the head of the state, the CM holds the ultimate responsibility for the crisis and its resolution.

Additionally, Joykumar suggested that CM Biren should address the perceived rift among party legislators for the sake of state's unity and stability.

He should resolve the issues within his party to better protect and serve the state, he opined.

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