Prof Bimol sees N Biren as Delhi's scapegoat
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 21 2024:
Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in the 18th Lok Sabha Election, 2024, said that chief minister N Biren may shoulder responsibility for the state's failures, but the ultimate blame lies with higher authorities in Delhi, implicating Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
According to him, Biren's acceptance of this role as a convenient scapegoat underscores a complex web of political dynamics, raising questions about the true locus of power and accountability within the state administration.
In a candid and insightful dialogue with The Week, Prof Bimol shared a comprehensive vision for the state, addressed myriad of pressing concerns and offered nuanced solutions to complex challenges.
He refrained from making conventional promises to the people of Manipur, opting instead to present an agenda focused on fostering unity and reconciliation among the diverse communities of the state.
His overarching goal is to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their original homes, thereby restoring a sense of belonging and harmony.
He emphasised the imperative of accountability in addressing instances of violence, and advocated establishment of a fact-finding committee to counteract misleading media narratives and unveil the truth behind such incidents.
Delving into the perceived shortcomings of chief minister Biren's administration, Prof Bimol navigated the intricacies of governance dynamics, raising pertinent questions regarding the CM's autonomy and efficacy in governing the state.
He posited that Biren may serve as a convenient scapegoat for failures that potentially implicate higher echelons of power, thereby deflecting accountability and scrutiny from more influential actors.
Expanding on the government's role in exacerbating ethnic tensions, Prof Bimol drew attention to compelling evidence suggesting a level of complicity in the perpetuation of violence.
Citing instances of demolished Meetei villages and the subsequent displacement of residents under the nose of the district administration, armed forces and Manipur Police, he underscored the need for a nuanced understanding of Manipur's socio-political fabric, cautioning against simplistic interpretations that fail to capture the underlying complexities of the situation.
Prof Bimol categorically dismissed the notion that the discord between the two communities stems from indigenous rights issues, asserting that such claims constitute a "bogus narrative" .
He argued that the Manipur issue does not revolve around indigenous rights, unlike in other regions worldwide.
He suggested that Kuki communities are conveniently leveraging this narrative, creating confusion and misinterpretation.
He further contended that in Manipur, Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities enjoy significant representation in the bureaucracy and cabinet, unlike in other parts of the country while criticising the discussions led by Christian missionaries and self-pro-claimed liberal individuals on tribal rights, accusing them of lacking a nuanced understanding of the ground realities.
Highlighting the prevailing division between perceived Hindu and tribal saviours, he lamented the lack of a clear understanding of the situation, which he believes contributes to the ongoing tensions and conflicts in Manipur.
"They (Meetei) are indigenous people, and according to the due process outlined in the law and the Constitution, it is appropriate for them to be included (in the ST list)," Bimol said.
In response to the presence of armed youth in the Imphal valley, Prof Bimol suggested that it reflects a failure of the state machinery to fulfil its duty.
He noted that as a result, individuals have felt compelled to take matters into their own hands for self-defence.
He highlighted the existence of multiple groups in Manipur, criticising the national media for disproportionately focusing on one group, namely the Arambai Tenggol of Meetei, while overlooking others.
Prof Bimol also addressed the contentious issue of corporate interests in Manipur, expressing staunch opposition to the exploitation of the state's natural resources for corporate gain especially by Meetei community.
He reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the rights of the Meetei community and advocating for equitable development strategies that prioritise the well-being of all segments of society.
He remained steadfast in his commitment to fostering unity and addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Manipur.
His vision for the state transcends narrow political rhetoric, reflecting a genuine desire to promote inclusivity and progress.
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