Firm decision must to drive out narco-terrorists: Cong MLA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 22 2023: Demanding the chief minister to lead the cabinet in adopting a One Voice, One Resolution" to drive out all Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists as part of the steps to bring about a solution to the prevailing crisis; Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar has said that time has come for the state government to make it clear why it does not have the courage and determination to solve the conflict till date.

Speaking to newspersons at his Babupara quarters, here, on Friday, Congress MLA Lokeshwar, who is also a former speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, questioned whether the CM fears he might be jailed or the state disintegrates if he holds cabinet meeting daily and adopts a 'One Voice, One Resolution' to drive out all Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists and put the same into action.

He then urged the people to discuss the oath taken by the cabinet ministers to abide by the Constitution and uphold integrity of the country.

However, it is still questionable why the BJP MLAs along with the supporting MLAs are unable to utter a single word against the CM and his cabinet.

If they were truly sincere, they would have spoken out long ago.

Once they pressure the cabinet to adopt the One Voice, One Resolution'; neither the central nor the state government would continue to remain silent.

Thus, he urged all MLAs to be united so as to save the state.

Further questioning what the government is afraid of from bringing about a solution to the prevailing crisis, the former speaker said that his own constituency is a witness to the veracity of claims that the Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists terrorising the people are from Myanmar.

It is bizarre why the government is playing dumb to who the terrorists truly are, he said, while questioning both the central and state governments for their inaction, forcing the civilians to defend the state instead.

"What is the BJP government doing when people were murdered in their sleep in their own homes? Is this not a terrorist act? Why is the BJP government apathetic to the value of human lives? Is there a hidden agenda behind the central and state governments' lack of response in stopping the bombing of civilians? Are they waiting for the harvesting season of poppies from October-December, as is alleged by the public? Why is there no speaking order of arresting any village volunteer found wearing uniforms of law agencies? While there is no objection in arresting anyone who has done wrong, who will defend the villages if the innocent volunteers are harassed? Where are the over 40,000 state force personnel?" the Opposition MLA raised a barrage of questions.

Lokeshwar then lamented the lackadaisical attitude of the state government towards solving the prevailing conflict, despite the BJP holding the power both at the centre and in the state.

It seems as if the governments were waiting for the people of both communities to kill each other off, he said, while wondering what resentment both the central and the state governments have against the people of Manipur.

The MLA continued that the government is yet to consult the highly educated intellectuals in coming up with a solution to the conflict.

The lack of action in this regard shows that the conflict is being prolonged intentionally.

The centre could have issued a warning of strict action if the gunfights were not stopped within ten days, thereby helping to control the situation.

However, no such action was taken, which is questionable, he added.

Lokeshwar then said that even if ten MLAs have left, there are still 50 MLAs in the state, who could work together to bring peace and normalcy, keeping aside their affiliations to political parties and other differences.

He questioned if the BJP is afraid that the unity of all MLAs would threaten its existence in Manipur and thus, prolonging the conflict which could very much lead to a civil war.

He further questioned if the state government is afraid of being toppled by telling the central government to give the former free hand in the matter, which is a state subject, so as to protect and defend Manipur.

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