Slugfest over PC's post imminent
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 21, 2024 -

REGARDLESS of the clarification made by former chief minister and Congress Legislature Party leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Congress leader P Chidambaram's observation that Meetei, Kuki-Zo and Naga communities can 'live together in one state only if they have genuine regional autonomy', it seems that the latter's remark has served as the fodder for the BJP to counter relentless charges by the Congress-led opposition parties that the Manipur conflict protracting for nearly two years is due to inefficiency and insincerity of the double-engine government in finding solution to the crisis.

For the past many months, Congress leaders have been criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not paying a visit to the strife-torn state, holding chief minister N Biren accountable for the humanitarian crisis and demanding his removal in order to facilitate return of peace in Manipur.

While PM Modi remains unfazed by the Congress tirade, CM Biren, notably, has been countering consistent broadsides with his back to the wall, literally. Thus, Congress leader P Chidambaram's X post: "Rushing 5,000 MORE central armed police jawans is not the answer to the Manipur crisis.

It is more wisdom: acknowledging that Mr Biren Singh, the chief minister, is the cause of the crisis and removing him immediately.

It is more understanding: that the Meitei, the Kuki-Zo and the Naga can live together in one state only if they have genuine regional autonomy. It is more statesmanship: for the Hon'ble PM to give up his obstinacy, visit Manipur, and speak to the people of Manipur with humility and learn first-hand their grievances and aspirations", would naturally be exploited by the BJP.

Apart from Chidambaram's observation on ethnic composition and incongruent socio-political aspirations of the diverse communities settling in Manipur testifying that many a central leaders are bereft of proper understanding of the ground reality, the call for regional autonomy of the three major communities undoubtedly envisions balkanisation of the state on ethnic lines.

As such a demand, proposition or agenda is being propagated and fiercely objected by community-based influential civil society organisations, the Congress leader's post would be interpreted as endorsement of the campaign by Kuki legislators, civil bodies and armed groups.

Though the Congress promptly distanced itself from Chidambaram's post, which has been deleted after the same evoked strong reactions on the various social media platforms as well as political circles, chief minister Biren reacted swiftly, stating that Chidambaram is the root cause of the Manipur crisis and the Congress creator of distressful situation in the state.

That the cornered chief minister has been longing for such an opportunity to launch counter offensive and dilute allegations being levelled by the Congress party could be comprehended from N Biren recounting that then Union home minister Chidambaram brought a Myanmarese foreigner Thanglianpau Guite, who himself admitted in one of the interviews that he contested an MP election in Myanmar.

Thanglianpau, notably is the chairman of Zomi Revolutionary Army which is banned in Myanmar.

Thus, like it or not, it appears that the BjP and the opposition Congress would be engaging in a bitter slugfest rather than empathising with the distressful condition of the internally displaced persons and families who have lost their near and dear ones in the conflict.