Ibobi suspects hidden agenda behind Manipur crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 17 2025: Expressing deep concern over the ethnic violence in Manipur remaining unsolved since May 3, 2023, former chief minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh posed whether there is a hidden agenda of the Government of India in prolonging the crisis.

Pointing out that the communal riot in Gujarat state in 2002 was contained within three days, he lamented that the Manipur crisis, or ethnic conflict as some sections of people refer to, has been lingering for more than two years in the tiny state, prompting many in and outside the state to suspect absence of seriousness in ending the deadlock.

While cautioning that neither the state nor the nation would derive any benefit from prolonging the crisis, Ibobi called upon concerned stakeholders to strive for resolving the crisis at the earliest and bringing back peace and normalcy for a new Manipur.

Ibobi suspects hidden agenda behind Manipur crisis

He also appealed to the people to shoulder responsibility in keeping intact the rich culture and tradition of the land defended and preserved by brave forefathers for centuries.

Ibobi shared his opinions during the prize distribution ceremony for the 1st State level essay competition on the topic 'The role of legislators in tackling the present crisis and creating a new Manipur' organised under the initiative of Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam at the main hall of Indian Medical Association, Lamphel on Sunday.

The former chief minister attended the ceremony as chief guest while MP Dr Bimol presided over it.

Imphal Review of Arts and Politics editor Pradip Phanjoubam and Sahitya Akademi awardee Saratchand Thiyam were guests of honour at the event.

In his address, MP Bimol said that there is no significant change in Manipur society for the past 20-30 years while reminding all concerned that the state has been unable to produce leaders who could face and talk in public properly.

He also opined that negligence of the education sector is one of the reasons for regression of the society and stressed the need for the contemporary society to support leaders who could influence the national media and mount intense pressure on national leaders.

According to MP Bimol Akoijam, Asian countries like Korea, Japan and China had developed significantly in the past 30-40 years whereas leaders of Manipur have been unable to bring any notable changes from 2001 to 2023.He said that almost all the government schools in the state are defunct compared to thriving of private schools.

The MP also appealed to the people of Manipur to understand the reason behind the need for giving more emphasis on education sector.

Later, winners of the essay competition were handed prizes, citations and mementos.