Joy seeks Governor's intervention to restore peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2026: Ex-Minister and veteran politician Okram Joy has sought immediate intervention of the Governor toward restoring peace in the State also to dissolve the Manipur Legislative Assembly, if necessary.

The veteran politician called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Lok Bhavan at 1 pm today and the two talked on the ongoing violence and efforts to bring peace and normalcy in the State.

Speaking to media persons at his residence at Kakwa after his meeting with the Governor, O Joy said that the violence which erupted on May 3, 2023 has been raging on without any respite.

Joy seeks Governor's intervention to restore peace

At present, Kukis and Nagas are caught in a vicious conflict and there are reports of killings and arsons almost every single day.

Joy said that he urged the Governor to pay special attention to the protracted crisis and see that the Centre takes strong measures in order to bring the violence to an end.

Despite the efforts of the Government, the situation has continued to deteriorate and is becoming more complex, Joy said.

Kukis and Nagas are currently caught in a vicious cycle of attacks and retributions and there is little hope of peace between the two communities any time soon, Joy said.

Highlighting the deteriorating situation, incessant killings and arsons in spite of the Government's efforts, the veteran politician urged the Governor to intervene immediately and initiate strong necessary measures.

O Joy said that the State Government is not in a position to maintain law and order.

So far, the State Government has not shown any commitment or taken up any concrete measure to bring the violence to an end, he said.

Joy remarked that the State Government's action is limited to issuing statements of condemnation, and it remains totally indifferent to all the killings and arsons.

When a Government's role is limited to issuing statements of condemnation when the State has been witnessing killings and arsons almost every single day, the Government has no right to exist.

Joy reportedly told Ajay Kumar Bhalla that the situation may escalate and go beyond the point of no return if the Centre fails to intervene without any further delay.

Joy requested the Governor to take strong, concrete steps in order to bring the violence to an end in consultation with the Central Government.

At present, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has 58 MLAs after the expiry of two MLAs.

Of the 58 MLAs, 53 belong to ruling parties and they have huge responsibilities to bring peace in the State.

But the ruling MLAs have so far done little to resolve the protracted crisis and their participation in debates in the State Assembly was far from satisfactory, Joy said.

The participation of Members of the Treasury Bench, including Ministers, in debates on matters of urgent public importance was inadequate and this has created a deep sense of resentment among the public against all MLAs, the veteran politician said.

When elected representatives are doing very little to address the people's suffering and woes, and the State is left burning, there is no point in having such representatives, Joy said. The veteran politician said that he requested the Governor to ensure that the Manipur Legislative Assembly is enabled to deliberate fully and meaningfully upon the core issues arising from the present crisis.

Joy also urged the Governor to consider further course of action as permissible under the Constitution including dissolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, if, upon constitutional assessment, it is found that the present Assembly is no longer able to effectively discharge its constitutional functions.

In reply, the Governor reportedly stated that he has been providing feedback and suggestions to the Government of India to bring the violence to an end.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla told O Joy that he would continue to exert pressure on Central leaders to contain the violence and resolve the crisis as soon as possible.

On dissolution of the State Assembly, the Governor said that the present State Assembly will be allowed to complete its term as it is at the fag end of its term.

The Governor reportedly stated that the people may pass their verdict in the State Assembly election which is not far off .