JD-U holds BJP accountable for crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 14 2023: The lack of enthusiasm on part of the double engine central and state BJP governments in resolving the prevailing violence in Manipur till date, shows that to BJP, the people of Manipur are just collateral for the party (BJP) to revitalise itself, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson and ex-MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang has stated.

Addressing a joint press meet of ten political parties at the state office of JD(U) in Palace Compound on Thursday morning, Dr Nimaichand said that the present government can be considered to be non-existent, considering law and order and all other aspects have failed miserably.

Under this government, the people cannot travel more than Kwakta, Tengnoupal or Motbung.

The 10 Kuki MLAs, who previously demanded for separate administration, are now making demands for a separate state.

To this, the people are asking what the remaining 50 MLAs are doing.

The violence could have been controlled within two days but because BJP is focused on keeping the party safe and alive, the people of Manipur are being pushed out as collateral damage, he remarked.

Strongly condemning the brutal acts of Assam Rifles on September 8 at Pallel, wherein the personnel thrashed and fired at the Meira Paibis and also killed two civilians; Dr Nimaichand stated that the AR's responsibility is to protect the civilians and not to kill them.

The ten political parties fully support the call for removal of AR from Manipur.

He continued that the state government had stationed AR in Manipur and as such, the actions of AR reflect the mind of the state government.

Thus, the state government should be blamed instead of the AR, he said, while demanding for an FIR to be registered against the AR personnel who fired the shots, so that he/she may be arrested and punished according to the law of the land.

Since the ruling MLAs have flocked to Delhi under the pressure of Youth of Manipur, they (MLAs) should meet the central leaders including the PM to bring a solution to the Manipur unrest at the earliest, instead of going to the capital in name only.

The opposition members are ready to extend support, if required, he conveyed.

JD(U) vice president Dr Kh Loken, who was also present at the press meet, said that consecutive governments have work together to solve prevailing issues from time to time, with the ruling political party working alongside the other political parties at the time.

However, the present B Biren-Led government has failed to follow the examples of the predecessors.

If the opposition makes a statement to alleviate the suffering of the people and restoring peace, they are accused of trying to gain political mileage, which is a bizarre accusation.

In such a situation where Manipur continues to burn, using Manipur's 'Kokyet' as part of parliamentary officers' attire is superfluous, he remarked.

Meanwhile, JD(U) vice president O Nabakishore said that the state's economy has been severely affected by the ethnic violence which broke out on May 3 .

He continued that a month before the violence i.e., in April, a data obtained from the Taxation Department showed that the GST collection of the state was Rs 164 crore and VAT around Rs 45 crore.

In May, the GST was reduced by around Rs 76.74 crore and VAT by around Rs 32 crore, owing to the conflict.

Thus, the revenue to be earned by the state ex-chequer for this year has dropped by Rs 1250 crore.

This is bound to affect the growth and development of various aspects of the state, he stated.

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