Ibobi blames Govt's insincerity for elusive peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 17 2025: Former three times Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has asserted that a solution could not be worked out to the more than two years old Manipur crisis because the Government is insincere and half-hearted in all its efforts to explore a solution.

He lamented that the crisis could have been averted had the Government paid due attention and taken strong steps during the initial days of the violence which erupted on May 3, 2023.The former Chief Minister said this during the prize distribution function of the first State Level Essay Competition 2025 organised by the office of the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha, Inner Manipur) at Keishamthong Top Leirak.

The essay competition on the topic "Role of legislators in tackling the present crisis and crafting a new Manipur" was held at the initiative of Lok Sabha Member Dr Bimol Akoijam and the prizes were distributed today at IMA Hall, Lamphelpat.

Speaking at the function, O Ibobi said that no one would have wanted to see such a violent crisis as seen in Manipur over the past two years.

Most countries/States have their own problems and issues.

Even though the Manipur crisis is more than two years old, no one is sure to which direction the State is heading, he said.

The essays submitted for the competition would certainly reflect where Manipur is heading as well as the responsibilities of legislators, he said.

From time to time, Manipur has been facing varied problems and issues.

Though unwanted, a very unfortunate crisis unfolded in the State on May 3, 2023 but the question is, why the Government is still unable to work out a solution and restore peace in the State, Ibobi continued.

He said that the crisis would not have escalated if the Government had paid due attention and taken up strong security measures during the initial days.

India is home to multitude of different communities, ethnic groups, languages and several religions.

At the same time, it is a democratic country.

Even many Chinese citizens are envious of India's democratic, multi-party system, the CLP leader claimed.

In a democratic country, all the citizens should have a thorough knowledge of their rights as well as duties.

If the people of Manipur know their rights and duties fully, the State can definitely make rapid strides on the path of development, he said.

He then called upon all the people and the legislators to work with sincerity and integrity so as to safeguard the integrity of Manipur, restore peace and take Manipur forward on the path of rapid development.

Lok Sabha Member Dr Bimol Akoijam said that there is little change in Manipur from 2001 till date.

Without any positive change, the State is moving backward in several sectors.

During the same period, countries like China, Japan and Korea paid special attention to education, formulated several appropriate policies and programmes, and thus transformed themselves into developed and advanced countries, Dr Bimol said.

He said that Manipur is now paying a heavy price for neglecting the education sector.

One of the main reasons for the State's failure to produce eminent citizens is the negligence of the education sector.

The failure to influence National media while discussing issues pertaining to Manipur, failure to articulate or present their viewpoints and arguments with clarity and convincingly before Central leaders at Delhi only abet in keeping the State backward, Dr Bimol said.

He said that there are very few people who write about Manipur correctly or elaborately in National media.

He then underscored the growing need to produce many scholars who have strong command over languages, know Manipur thoroughly, write and speak proficiently and have fair knowledge of the contemporary global dynamics.

There is a growing need to produce men and women who can speak with insight in areas where they must and face Central leaders boldly, Dr Bimol said.

Pointing out that it is the education sector which can put Manipur on a new trajectory of development, the Lok Sabha Member decried that most of the Government schools in Manipur are as good as dead.

"This is our own fault.

It is imperative to revive Government schools and make them vibrant", he said.

However, most Government schools in Manipur have declined and they are being replaced by private schools notwithstanding the fact that huge funds are invested in Government schools to impart proper education to children, he remarked.

Majority of the Government schools have students far less than their intake capacity.

On the contrary, most of the students have gone to private schools, he said.

Noting that economic data of Indian States put Manipur among the five most backward States of the country, Dr Bimol elucidated on why Manipur is placed among the most backward States.

He said that the unemployment rate is very high in Manipur and it remains a big surprise and perplexing question how the poor parents have been sending their children to private schools.

Even though the financial condition of most families are not sound, the percentage of families owning cars and other vehicles is quite high.

All these give an impression that Manipur is a State where people have substantial amounts of extra money.

He said that the essay competition was organised with the primary objective of grooming excellent students.

Dr Bimol said that he would be organising many more such competitions for students.

Imphal Review of Arts and Politics Editor Pradip Phanjoubam, distinguished writer Saratchand Thiyam and Dr Gurumayum Amarjit of JNU Delhi were also present at the prize distribution function as presidium members.

The first position of the essay competition was won by Ningthoujam Vishal Meitei of New Model Public School, Moirang.

The student was given a cash prize of Rs 30,000 along with a citation and a certificate.

Arambam Amar Meitei (Class XII) of Xtra Edge School won the second position and he was awarded Rs 20,000 along with citation and certificate.

Rajkumar Brunson (Class XII) of Xtra Edge School was placed at the third position and he was feted with a cash award of Rs 10,000, a citation and a certificate.

Two other students were given special consolation prizes of Rs 7000 each while five others were given consolation prizes of Rs 5000 each.

Further, 15 students were awarded Rs 2000 each with certificates of merit.

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