On charges that Congress had given nod to separate administration...Cong rubbishes allegations, sets record straight
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 11 2024: Congress has never entered into any kind of agreement with Kuki organisations to grant separate administration.

The allegation that has been levelled against the Congress about it entering into such an agreement is false, baseless and backed by no evidence, said CLP leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today.

Speaking to reporters at Congress Bhavan Imphal, Ibobi said the Chief Minister of the State alleged that the Congress had arrived at an understanding with a particular community to give them separate administration.

"It is unfortunate and very unbecoming of a Chief Minister to have lied and levelled such an unfounded allegation.

Congress never thought the Chief Minister would stoop this low and engage in such futile politics of levelling unfounded allegations without presenting material evidence," Ibobi said.

Cong rubbishes allegations, sets record straight

As a leader, the Chief Minister shouldn't play low level politics and indulge in levelling unfounded allegations, Ibobi added.

"Instead of playing deceptive politics, the Chief Minister, as a man, should place material evidence and documents of the agreement before the public to support the allegation he has levelled against Congress.

If he is able to produce the documents and evidences, then Congress can't run away from taking responsibility.

If such an agreement exists, people of Manipur will never forgive Congress," Ibobi said.

Congress is the oldest political party in the country and has governed India many times with people's mandate.

People shouldn't think, even dream, that such a party will break India and Manipur.

Congress may win or lose elections, it may or may not return to power.

There are always ups and downs in politics.

It is for the people to decide, but the party is never greedy for power, Ibobi said.

The Chief Minister has levelled the unfounded allegation of Congress coming to an agreement to give separate administration to the Kukis.

His statement to some section of the media shows his lack of responsibility.

The Congress is appalled by the CM's statement and it takes the allegation seriously, he said.

Instead of levelling unfounded charges against Congress, the Chief Minister should focus on solving the more than one year old conflict and put in more efforts to improve law and order situation and restore peace.

It is very wrong of the Chief Minister to indulge in lies and deceptive politics without thinking about the people and the State.

Lies and deception never last long, Ibobi added.

The situation in Manipur, at present, is very troubling with fresh violence erupting in Jiribam.

In such a situation, Congress wants all political parties to avoid levelling charges against one another.

The BJP-led Government must put in every effort to control the situation in Jiribam before it blows out of proportion and spread, Ibobi said.

The former CM, on the other hand, stressed that the violence in Jiribam district could have been avoided if the Government had acted in time.

Following intelligence reports, the State Government could have deployed adequate security forces in the district and taken up pre-emptive measures.

This could have saved lives and properties of the public, he added.

The Mizo National Front (MNF) in neighbouring Mizoram, years ago, in a bid to break away, waged war against India.

Then Congress' Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi repeatedly advised the MNF against its bid.

As her appeals went unheeded, the MNF movement in Mizoram was suppressed using aerial strikes, Ibobi said.

After Indira Gandhi's death, and when Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister, India Government and MNF signed the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986 with an agreement to bring about infrastructure development including an airport and university.

The Congress Government in Mizoram was disbanded and MNF's leader Laldenga was made the Chief Minister, Ibobi said.

He continued and stressed that the MNF at that time sought to incorporate Churachandpur as part of its "Greater Mizoram" demand.

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, however, dismissed the idea of Greater Mizoram and did not agree to the MNF's demand.

Ibobi said the Congress party has never done anything that may break India and Manipur's integrity.

As long as Congress exists, India and Manipur's integrity will remain intact, he added.

He further asserted that BJP's massive defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur is a lesson given by the people.

"To deflect their inefficiency, they are always blaming the past Congress Government.

As people were able to see through these lies, they voted en masse for Congress candidates in the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

The Chief Minister should remember that the people of Manipur have taught the BJP a lesson," Ibobi said.

Congress' wins in the elections were a win for the people and democracy.

Instead of taking moral responsibility for the defeat, the Chief Minister is indulging in playing low deceptive politics.

This is unfortunate, he said.

When asked about the ambush on CM's advance security team at Sinam village along Imphal-Jiribam road, O Ibobi said he condemns the attack in the strongest terms.

He said the Government must take up adequate security measures to prevent such unwanted incidents in the future.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president MLA K Meghachandra, Deputy Congress Legislative Party leader MLA K Ranjit, AICC Working Committee member Gaikhangam, Congress Chief Whip MLA Th Lokeshwor, former MPCC presidents Nameirakpam Loken and Moirangthem Okendro were present in the press meet.