Ibobi goes hammer and tongs against BJP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2025: Going on the offensive against the BJP, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has stated that the party, which promised to turn Manipur into Sanaleibak (a land of gold), has turned the place upside down.

Addressing an interaction programme at Heingang Mayai Leikai today, Ibobi expressed concern over the Centre's handling of the Manipur crisis.

Attributing the suffering of Manipur's people to the Centre's and State's mismanagement, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader stated the future of Manipur hangs in the balance due to the Government's failure to resolve the crisis.

Recalling his attendance at an all-party meeting in New Delhi in the last week of May 2023 chaired by the Union Home Minister, Ibobi said he urged the Union Minister that the Centre could swiftly resolve the Manipur crisis if it demonstrated genuine commitment.

He said that he had also suggested the Union Home Minister to crack down on the illegal possession of arms in both the hill and valley districts of Manipur including by Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact during the meeting.

Ibobi said that the Manipur crisis could have been resolved earlier if the Centre had implemented his suggestions.

Recalling advising the Centre to facilitate a dialogue between the Kuki and Meetei groups during the early days of the conflict, he lamented that all his proposals were ignored.

The State forces were caught on the wrong foot when violence broke out on May 3, 2023, under Chief Minister N Biren Singh's tenure, he claimed, adding that State forces continue to face restrictions, unable to function with full freedom.

Saying that the crisis could have been contained had the Central and State security forces prevented attacks on homes in areas like Moreh, Churachandpur, and Imphal, he added that unfortunately even houses very close to the Chief Minister's official residence were burned down.

Recounting that Congress won 28 seats while BJP won 21 in the 11th Manipur State Assembly elections (2017), Ibobi added that the BJP however formed the Government using unfair means.

Ibobi also said that BJP which promised to transform Manipur into sanaleibak if it wins absolute majority in the 12th State Assembly election has jeopardized the future of Manipur after winning the mandate of the people.

Ibobi asserted that Manipur's economy has now collapsed and questioned who is to blame for this situation.

Stating that the Centre has shown disregard for the people of Manipur including the legislators, the former Chief Minister asked why the Prime Minister is refusing to meet even the BJP MLAs to defuse the tension between the Meetei and Kuki people.

It seems like the BJP MLAs in Manipur cannot take independent decisions despite the gravity of the situation in the State, he sighed.

Ibobi affirmed that the Congress party remains committed to safeguarding Manipur's territorial integrity.

Highlighting the proactive stance of the Congress on key issues, he noted that the five MLAs had supported the War on Drugs Bill in the Assembly.

While referencing the Lhukhosei Zou drug case, Ibobi alleged that the War on Drugs initiative is mere lip service, lacking real action.

He urged the people to reject the notion that the Centre will withhold funds for Manipur if the ruling parties at the Centre and State are different.

Ibobi highlighted the Lok Sabha election held last year as a testament to the people's power, citing the victory of Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam despite attempts to suppress him through brute force and intimidation.

Dr Bimol, who was also present at the event appealed to the people to view the 2027 Assembly election as a crucial opportunity to determine the future of Manipur.

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