Defacto Art 355 in Manipur : Cong
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 22 2024: There is "de-facto" Article 355 imposed in Manipur, said Congress leader Hareswar Goswami during a meet the press programme held at Congress Bhavan today.

The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) vice president said Congress leaders were told by the Chief Minister yesterday that the Article 355 is enforced in Manipur.

Article 355 empowers the Union Government to protect any State in India against external aggression and internal disturbances.

Article 355 states that "It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the governance in every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution" .

Defacto Art 355 in Manipur : Cong

Speaking to reporters, Hareswar Goswami said there was confusion among the people whether Article 355 is enforced in Manipur or not.

While Chief Minister N Biren yesterday told representatives of ten political parties that Article 355 was enforced in Manipur, an RTI response had revealed that the Article hasn't been imposed in Manipur, causing confusion to the people.

If not dejure, it is clear that there is de-facto Article 355 imposed in Manipur, he said.

Goswami said the Centre imposing Article 355 against the backdrop of the external aggression Manipur is facing will not be surprising.

In addition, the claim that the DGP, Security Advisor and Chief Secretary were appointed under the advice of the Union Home Minister has proved that the Article 355 may have been imposed in Manipur, said Goswami.

The more than 8-month-old conflict needs the Prime Minister's attention to bring about a solution.

If the State Government is unable to bring the attention of the Prime Minister on the Manipur issue, then it must convene another meeting of all political parties, he said.

The Centre's indifference towards the Manipur crisis shows its lack empathy towards the people who are suffering.

When Manipur and her people have been ignored, the State Government shouldn't wait for the Centre's response and fall prey to its dramas and geopolitical games, Goswami said.

Even as the State Government remains ineffective in ending the crisis, there is suspicion if the State Government is under the "dictatorial rule" of the Central Government.

There is suspicion if the Central Government is causing obstacles in the functioning of the State Government, he said.

On the other hand, the ruling MLAs and Ministers in the Government can't impose all the responsibilities on the Chief Minister alone and shy away from their duties claiming disagreement with his decisions.

The Chief Minister also must not try to do everything himself, Goswami added.

Article 355 empowers the Union to protect Manipur against external aggression.

The influx of illegal immigrants in Kamjong and elsewhere is a prime example of external aggression.

Such influx of illegal immigrants pose a serious threat to the survival and identity of the indigenous communities.

The Government must act against such aggression, he said.

Goswami reiterated that the State Government must seek the attention and action from the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister to end the Manipur crisis.