Delhi, Imphal have failed miserably : Ibobi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2026: With four people killed in two separate ambushes yesterday, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has condemned both the Centre and the State Government for their abject failure to enforce law and order in Manipur.

Addressing a press briefing at Congress Bhavan, Ibobi, who is the president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), said that the Government of India (GoI) has been prioritising the BJP's electoral victories over making sincere efforts to end the conflict in the State.

The GoI has been turning a blind eye to the crisis in Manipur, despite the intense conflicts and loss of lives, he said.

Delhi, Imphal have failed miserably : Ibobi

Ibobi added that incidents of killings and other unfortunate events have been on the rise in the State due to the Government's failure to maintain law and order.

It is unfortunate that violent clashes between different communities occur almost every day, he said.

The Congress leader emphasised that the killings of three Church leaders in Kangpokpi and a civilian in Noney in a single day highlight the total breakdown of law and order.

Stating that the GoI and the State Government must take responsibility for the loss of lives and injuries to civilians in the ambushes, Ibobi asked how long they would allow the people of Manipur who once coexisted peacefully to kill one another.

Law and order is a Constitutional responsibility vested in the State by the Constitution, he said, asking what would become of Manipur if the cycle of revenge killings continues.

Claiming that the GoI has been treating the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, like some sort of a spectacle, he added that the Centre's approach reflects complete neglect for the State.

He also said that the Central forces deployed in Manipur were sent for election duty in West Bengal, but it is unclear whether they have returned.

It seems the BJP Government only cares about winning elections, Ibobi added, condemning the Government's response to the crisis.

Is the Constitution still applicable in Manipur ?, he asked, reiterating that law and order has completely broken down in the State.

He noted that even the Supreme Court has stated that both law and order and Constitutional machinery have failed in the State.

Despite the ongoing cycle of killings, the Government has not made any sincere effort to resolve the crisis, Ibobi added.

Stating that killings will not bring any solution, the former Chief Minister emphasised that negotiation is indispensable to restore normalcy in the State.

Waiting for an opportune moment to attack others is an act of cowardice, he said, urging everyone to reject violence and work towards peace.

Other Congress leaders including MLAs K Ranjit, Th Lokeshwar, Surjakumar Okram, AICC Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam and former MPCC president M Okendro also attended the programme among others.