Bimol decries debate snub in Parl, raises concerns on wetlands, SoO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 20 2025: Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Saturday expressed deep concern over what he called the denial of voice to all three MPs from Manipur during the parliamentary debate on the imposition of President's Rule in the state, terming the move unfortunate and indicative of a larger problem in Delhi's approach toward Manipur.

Addressing the media at his Keishamthong Top Leirak resident, Bimol said the debate on the President's Rule was scheduled at 2 am with only one hour allotted, which prevented him and fellow MP Alfred Arthur from speaking in the Lok Sabha.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba also did not get a chance to speak.

Bimol said he had several critical points to raise but was denied the opportunity, leading him to question the meaning behind silencing all three MPs from the state during such a crucial discussion.

He emphasised that while party politics exists, there also needs to be bipartisan consideration, especially in the light of the complex crisis unfolding in the state.

He questioned whether the denial of voice to Manipur's MPs was intentional, particularly given the gravity of the issues at hand.

Bimol criticised the language used by the union home minister during the debate, suggesting it reflected a tone that normalised conflict in the state.

He said BJP leaders spoke as if inter-community conflict is ingrained in the blood of the people of Manipur, a narrative he strongly rejected.

The first time MP described this perspective as colonial and reiterated his earlier assertion in Parliament that Delhi's outlook towards Manipur is colonial in nature.

He urged the public to reflect on the implications of the exclusion of the state's MPs during the debate.

He also raised the issue of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, questioning whether its objectives have been met or if it has instead led to the normalisation of armed cadres who now contribute to the crisis.

Bimol argued that the SoO agreement should not be politicised and disclosed that he had been initially listed 16th among 20 MPs selected to raise questions in the Parliament.

However, when the final list was published, his name was removed, which he termed an outright violation of an MP's rights.

His question had sought a detailed state-wise list of armed groups in the Northeast that have signed agreements with the Centre and updates on the renewal of those agreements.

While peace talks with armed groups raising political demands are part of a normal process, he said the government is instead deflecting responsibility by blaming the Congress for initiating SoO.

On environmental issues, Bimol highlighted the degradation of Loktak Lake and other wetlands like Lamphelpat and Yaralpat, calling them vital to the identity and civilisation of Manipur.

He said the Wetland Conservation and Management Rules, 2017, mandates the formation of wetland authorities in each state and notification of wetlands for protection.

When he sought information in the Parliament, he could not get a clear answer, so he instead sought a detailed list of declared wetlands across the country only to find that Loktak and other wetlands in Manipur have not been declared under the 2017 rules.

He said this loophole permits development projects to impact these ecosystems without restriction, further endangering the state's environment.

Bimol also criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying it reflects a targeted approach against the Muslim community.

He pointed out that despite Muslims constituting 15 per cent of India's population, NDA has no Muslim MPs.

He termed the amended Waqf Act as possibly the final legislative tool to control Muslims and said the act is currently being challenged in court.

He added that the government's emphasis on the National Herald case is merely a diversion tactic to deflect attention from real issues and to blame the Congress.

On the state of healthcare, Bimol said the functioning of government hospitals is poor and that only one ultrasound machine is available in all Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across Imphal West and Imphal East districts.

He emphasised the need for proper implementation of central schemes to address these shortcomings.

The MP also highlighted the paradox in education, noting that while Manipur leads in private school enrolment, the state remains one of the poorest in terms of per capita income and among the top five in unemployment.

He criticised the official reasoning that additional funds are enabling private education, saying it overlooks the state's widespread poverty and the underlying cause behind the high enrolment in private institutions.

Responding to media queries, Bimol said the current crisis in the state cannot be considered resolved until Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are facilitated in resettling at their original homes.

Despite the imposition of President's Rule, he said there is still no freedom of movement in the state.

He condemned the government's framing of the crisis as an inter-community issue, stating that the inability of citizens to access pilgrimage sites or national highways is not a communal problem but a governance failure.

He said national highways are national properties and the Centre must demonstrate political will to restore free movement.

Concluding his remarks, Bimol expressed dissatisfaction with the imposition of President's Rule, saying he is not happy with Delhi handling the state's affairs.

In a democratic country, the state must be governed by a popular government with a public mandate, he said.

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