Ex-CM Ibobi tutors PM Modi on PR jibe
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 04 2024:
Expressing disappointment over the Prime Minister's comments on Manipur in the Parliament after pressure from the opposition, former chief minister Okram Ibobi stated that the opposition never demanded imposition of President's Rule (PR), but had been urging the central government to restore peace in the state, which is also the wish of the people of Manipur.
Addressing a press conference of INDIA bloc at Congress Bhawan, here, on Friday, Ibobi said that after 230-240 INDIA bloc MPs including Manipur's Bimol Akoijam strongly pressurised PM Modi to speak on Manipur, the PM spoke 4-5 lines about Manipur in the Rajya Sabha, which is highly disappointing for the people of Manipur and INDIA bloc.
He continued that the PM, instead of informing that some kind of a road map had been prepared to hold a political dialogue and resolve the misunderstandings between the two communities, stated that around 11,000 FIRs have been registered and 5000 accused arrested.
This is not what the people want to hear, especially when there are already FIRs registered by those whose properties have been lost in the violence.
The centre should clarify whether the accused named in all the FIRs are guilty of the charges levelled against them, he demanded.
Ibobi further said that PM Modi's claim of the violence subsiding in Manipur is like pouring oil into a blazing fire.
If the government had taken control of the violence within a month, the opposition would never have to open its mouth.
As such, PM Modi's statements have clearly shown who, between the government and opposition, is hesitant to douse the fire burning in Manipur, he remarked.
Regarding PM Modi's statements that PR was imposed in Manipur a total of ten times after India's independence, Ibobi said that the matter is completely unrelated to the current violence.
At that time, the anti-defection law was not in effect and the absence of a stable government led to imposition of PR.
The current issue in the state, however, is not related with imposition of PR.
Furthermore, the opposition has never demanded imposition of PR and the people of Manipur also do not want the same.
"The people of Manipur want peace", he reiterated, while urging the central government to help restore peace and tranquillity in the state.
Recounting the Kuki-Naga clashes, the former CM said that a peace committee was formed at that time to help restore peace in the state.
He also recalled the Meetei-Pangal clashes which saw some unfortunate incidents.
However, the clashes were never as serious as the present conflict where both the communities are unable to venture into other's area.
Instead of making useless statements in the Parliament, PM Modi should have mentioned some kind of roadmap for peace, which would have satisfied the people.
The PM's statements, however, seems to be made for namesake only under the pressure of the opposition, he remarked.
Ibobi pointed out that the Supreme Court had observed that the state government had Tailed, due to the latter's failure to maintain law and order, and protect the life and property of the public.
The ruling government never fails to blame the past government but refuses to do anything to rectify the so-called mistakes of the previous government.
In addition, it is hard to ascertain whether the state government still has full control of its powers, he said, while stating that other political parties would not have been able to speak out if the government had performed its duty properly.
Questioning what harm would befall if the council of ministers of the ruling government meet the PM and union home minister to enunciate the involvement of external forces in the conflict; the former chief minister reiterated that the people only want peace to be restored in the state.
However, the PM has not taken up any proactive action on the matter, let alone visiting Manipur, he added.
Comment
