Centre, state must act on the ground: Prof Bimol
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 06 2024: Dissecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement in the Rajya Sabha, Inner Manipur MP Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has criticised the handling of the Manipur crisis by both the state and Central governments.

Prof Bimol, who was also an Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, before making his plunge in politics, emphasised the urgent need for actionable steps to restore normalcy in the strife-torn state.

In a comprehensive and candid interview with The New Indian Express, Prof Bimol highlighted PM Modi's remarks in Rajya Sabha, where the Prime Minister claimed a decline in violence and the reopening of schools in most parts of Manipur.

Prof Bimol argued that the PM's statement was a forced response due to pressure from Rahul Gandhi and other MPs, rather than a genuine effort to address the issues.

He expressed disappointment, stating, "The PM's statement normalises the abnormal conditions that we have been subjected to.

He mentioned schools and offices functioning, but the reality is starkly different".

He elaborated that the Meeteis and Kukis, two major communities in Manipur, are restricted from attending offices, schools, and colleges in each other's areas.

"Thousands of children are dislocated from their regular schools, and over 60,000 people are languishing in relief camps, suffering daily violence and humiliation," Prof Bimol said.

He compared the current situation in Manipur to the Partition of India, highlighting the ongoing violence in the periphery of Imphal where villages are frequently attacked by gunmen.

Prof Bimol criticised the PM for giving a misleading picture to the rest of the country and the world.

He accused PM Modi of indulging in politics while asking others to rise above it.

"I wish the PM showed a little more honesty and was in tune with the ground reality," he added.

Regarding PM Modi's reminder about the state's history under President's Rule, Prof Bimol pointed out that such impositions have occurred under various political parties, including the BJP.

He accused the BJP of executing the "worst kind of such imposition" in Manipur by effectively implementing a de facto President's Rule, thereby undermining the state's autonomy.

"A cabinet minister, in Imphal, said the appointment of the security advisor was done by the Union Government.

The irony is that the notification was issued by the state government in the name of the Governor, not in the name of the President.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah once said on the floor of the House that the Chief Minister is cooperative.

The state government is a willing partner in the de facto subversion of autonomy of the state," he said.

The first time MP also criticised the recent high-level meeting held by Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to review the security situation in the state, noting that it excluded the state's political executive.

He emphasised that law and order is a state subject and pointed out the contradictory statements made by the Home Minister and the Manipur Chief Minister.

"Sometimes they say the crisis is caused by foreign elements, at other times it's a conflict between two communities, or between illegal immigrants and the state government.

They have failed to bring normalcy and have themselves created confusion," Prof Bimol remarked.

Addressing the core issue, Prof Bimol identified the state's failure and lack of clarity in addressing the situation.

He urged both the Centre and state governments to act on the ground and stop normalising violence by misleading the public by pointing to reopening of schools, colleges, and offices.

He also raised questions on the effectiveness of heavy deployment of armed forces in the state, given the displacement of over 60,000 people and the deaths of more than 200 individuals.

"Why can't people move from one area to another? All these questions must be answered," he asserted.

Responding to Chief Minister Biren's criticism of central forces, Prof Bimol suggested that the CM should question the Union Minister about why his directives are not being followed by the armed forces.

He described the current situation as a de facto Emergency, with the state government acting as a proxy government.

The Congress MP also expressed his opposition to the Kuki community's demand for a separate administration.

He referenced reports suggesting an agreement between some Kuki armed groups and the BJP for creating a separate administration if they supported the BJP in the last Assembly elections.

Prof Bimol called for transparency from both the BJP and Kuki groups about any such agreement and its potential link to the ongoing violence.

Prof Bimol also shared his motivation for entering politics, citing the State's silence on the Manipur issue as a driving factor.

He expressed satisfaction with his decision, noting that his efforts have brought attention to critical issues affecting Manipur and the Northeast.

"I think I have made the right decision to enter politics as people are now taking note of the issues I have been consistently raising over the last few decades," he said.

Reflecting on his debut speech in Lok Sabha, Prof Bimol mentioned being conscious of Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" speech.

He viewed his own speech as a pivotal moment for the people of Northeast, particularly Manipur, in their quest for dignity and recognition as citizens of India.

"1 am glad that destiny has imposed this on me," Prof Bimol concluded.

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