Shiv Sena questions BJP's inability to expel 'rebel' MLAs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 16 2023:
Taking advantage of the ongoing communal conflict which erupted on May 3 last, seven BJP MLAs including two ministers took a decision to break apart Manipur but BJP Manipur Pradesh is yet to expel these MLAs, charged Shiv Sena Manipur president M Tombi and questioned the reason for BJP's hesitancy in taking action against the MLAs.
M Tombi told media persons at party's Babupara office on Saturday that BJP Manipur Pradesh should take with all seriousness attempt being made by seven BJP MLAs including two ministers to balkanise Manipur.
However, the party, which is ruling in the state as well as at the Centre is still not taking any action against the MLAs thereby not only surprising the people but also infuriating the masses.
Consequent to timidity of the government, many youths have taken up arms to protect their motherland, he said, adding that the fate of the future of Manipur cannot be compromised through politics of polarisation.
While stressing the need to bring back peace in Manipur, M Tombi said that families of those killed in the violence but could not get the bodies have performed last rites in traditional manner with use of local plant named Pangong.
As per a directive of the Supreme Court, the Centre handed over bodies of Kuki victims lying at mortuaries in Imphal to their families.
However, not a single part of bodies of 22 Meetei people missing in the violence have been handed over to their families till date, Tombi reminded, adding that Shiv Sena feels extremely remorse over government apathy to organisations demanding bodies of missing Meetei people.
According to M Tombi, Ku kis started the violence on May 3 and the Meeteis have been calling for peace and ending the violence repeatedly.
However, there has been not a single appeal for peace from the side of the Kukis, he noted, adding that both the Centre and the state government must acknowledge sentiments of the youth Who have taken up arms instead of continuing their education.
He also said that influx of illegal immigrants to Manipur is one main factor behind the current violence in the state.