Not peace talk but ruling coordination meet: Bimol
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 15 2024: Inner Manipur MP Dr Angomcha Bimol has expressed dissatisfaction over the current discussions among the state's ruling party legislators in New Delhi, dismissing the meetings as internal coordination meeting of the ruling rather than peace talks as hyped by the present regime.

In an interview with NEw TV, Dr Bimol underscored the need for a broader, more inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including, Congress MLAs, and CSOs to explore a genuine way forward for the state.

"This cannot be called a peace talk," Dr Bimol said, explaining that the ongoing meetings are simply coordination efforts among ruling MLAs, cutting across community lines.

"Some say it is a peace talk between the Kuki and Meetei communities, but that's not the case.

It's a meeting among ruling party members," he claimed.

Dr Bimol said that he had repeatedly called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to address the situation in Manipur.

He emphasised that the internal divisions within the ruling BJP are contributing to the confusion, citing two cabinet ministers' demands for Separate Administration (SA) while others within the government oppose it.

"The government is speaking in multiple voices, creating confusion," he remarked.

"We could say that we still don't know the position of the Manipur government on this issue.

I have been asking for the differences within the ruling groups to be sorted out first," he said.

While Dr Bimol welcomed the move to hold discussions, he criticised inability of the ruling coalition to hold proper coordination meetings, either within the state or externally, without Central intervention.

"It's shameful that the Centre had to step in for them to convene a meeting," he added.

The MP also raised concerns about the potential leadership of the meetings, saying it would be appropriate for union home minister Amit Shah or his junior minister to chair the talks.

However, he expressed dismay over reports that bureaucrat officers might mediate the discussions.

"If bureaucrats were to chair the meeting, it would be absurd and shameful for elected representatives.

It violates their dignity," Dr Bimol stated.

In his final remarks, Dr Bimol emphasised that the current meetings are merely a first step toward resolving cracks within the ruling party, but cannot be termed as peace talks.

He called for a comprehensive, inclusive approach that would involve all political and social actors to bring lasting peace to the state.

Comment