Govt accused of inaction, creating confusion
CLP leader Ibobi slams government over crisis, calls for urgent meeting with PM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 17 2024: Congress MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam strongly criticised the ruling party for inaction and attempts to mislead the public amid the ongoing crisis in the state.

Accusing the government of creating confusion instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict, Dr Bimol emphasised that governance is the primary responsibility of the state and central governments, not opposition leaders'.

He further outlined the failures of the administration in maintaining law and order and called for a collective effort to restore peace in the region.

In a press conference held at the official residence of CLP leader and former chief minister Okram Ibobi here on Sunday, Dr Bimol strongly criticised the state and central governments for their inept handling of the ongoing crisis.

Responding to questions about allegations that he was not doing enough as an MP, Dr Bimol dismissed the criticism as politically motivated and accused the ruling party of failing to fulfil its responsibilities.

Dr Bimol emphasised that the responsibility for law and order lies with the government and not individual MPs.

"It is the government's duty to govern Manipur, not the responsibility of university vice-chancellors or MPs.

Those accusing me of not doing enough must understand the basic principles of governance," he said.

The MP asserted that he has raised the issues concerning Manipur in Parliament and the national media, lobbying to influence public opinion and government decisions.

'Do they expect me to command the Prime Minister or deploy the army? That is not within an MP's purview.

Such allegations are merely attempts to mislead the people," he remarked.

On the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AF-SPA) in six police station areas, the MP criticised it as a "blot on Indian democracy" and evidence of failed governance.

He pointed out the lack of coordination between the state and central governments, highlighting that Manipur is the only state where AFSPA is imposed by both governments in different regions.

"This dual imposition undermines the federal structure and reflects a lack of political will," he said.

Questioning effectiveness of AFSPA, and pointing out that violence continues unabated in areas already under its purview, Dr Bimol reminded that though Churachandpur, Moreh, and other foothills are under AFSPA, yet violence persists.

"What makes them think extending it will resolve the crisis? This is merely a facade for ulterior motives," he claimed.

"Massacre of people in Nagaland's Oting still very much alive in our memory," the MP said.

In all 14 people were killed and 30 others injured by the security forces at Oting in Nagaland's Mon district in December 2021 in a case of "mistaken identity" .

Dr Bimol said the recent killing of six hostages, including children, is an internationally condemnable act of terrorism while urging political leaders from all communities, including the Kuki-Zo group, to denounce violence unequivocally.

"Violence is not a solution.

Hostage-taking and killing in cold blood are unacceptable under any circumstances," he said.

Criticising the state government for failing to officially confirm the killings through its police or home departments, and calling it erosion of public institutions, Dr Bimol stated that such acts tarnish the state's reputation and called for a united effort to address grievances through peaceful means.

He also charged the ruling party of creating confusion among the people by framing the crisis in contradictory narratives, such as ethnic conflict, terrorism, or issues of illegal immigration, while cautioning that such tactics, akin to Kautilya's strategies of sowing discord, could lead to deeper instability in the region.

Chipping in, Congress Legislator Party (CLP) leader O Ibobi criticised the state and central governments for their failure to uphold law and order.

He accused the double-engine government of failing to address the constitutional breakdown in the state, leading to unprecedented violence, including the killing of infants, women, and civilians across communities.

If the Prime Minister had intervened, the hostages could have been saved instantly, he said, citing past incident involving the abduction of two youths from Thoubal district, who were released after Central government intervention.

Remaining silent even after Kuki militants brutally murdered an infant torn from its mother's arms shows the complete failure of this double-engine government, Ibobi remarked.

He also questioned the Centre's decision not to appoint a Governor for the state amid the crisis, asking, "Does the Centre want the people of the state to continue killing one another? Ibobi condemned the government's failure to prevent the escalating violence, which has led to enraged citizens targeting homes of several MLAs.

He noted that even the residence of Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar, one of the most vocal leaders whose constituency is among the hardest hit, was not spared.

Khundrakpam and Sugnu remain some of the worst-affected constituencies in the ongoing turmoil.

Highlighting the deteriorating situation, Ibobi said the Congress believes the state may need a fresh public mandate to restore stability and trust.

He urged chief minister N Biren to seek an immediate appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon the latter's return from the foreign trip.

"This is our demand for the past many months, but we don't know if the chief minister has even sought an appointment.

It is up to him, Ibobi remarked, emphasising the urgency for the Prime Minister to intervene in resolving Manipur's issues.

Ibobi also hinted at a collective resignation of all MLAs - both ruling and opposition - if their demands and appeals remain unaddressed.

"If the Prime Minister doesn't listen to what we appeal, what is the meaning of being a member of the assembly? We will resign along with the ruling MLAs anytime," he asserted.

Addressing questions about whether opposition leaders are willing to step down, Ibobi reiterated that their resignation would only come as a last resort if it guarantees solution to the crisis.

"If it serves the interest of the state and resolves the crisis, we are ready to resign at any moment," he said.

However, Ibobi dismissed the possibility of President's Rule as a viable solution.

"The people of Manipur do not want President's Rule," he stated, emphasising that the responsibility lies squarely with the current government and the BJP's leadership.

The press conference was attended by senior Congress leaders, including AICC CWC member Gaikhangam, deputy CLP leader K Ranjit, former ministers N Loken & Ak Mirabai, ex-MLA Victor Keishing, and MLA O Surjakumar.

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