CPI rejects military means, calls for political solution
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 25 2024:
Communist Party of India (CPI), national council secretary and Manipur in-charge Pallab Sengupta has emphasised the need for a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur while outrightly rejecting the notion that military intervention can bring lasting peace and justice.
Addressing the media at Irawat Bhawan, here, on Tuesday, Sengupta said that the CPI will put its best efforts towards finding a political resolution without compromising the identity and territorial integrity of Manipur.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Manipur for defeating BJP and electing candidates fielded by the INDIA bloc in the recent Lok Sabha election, Sengupta opined that the election results underscored people's desire for a change regardless of the tall promises made by the Modi government.
Sengupta remarked, "INDIA bloc could not form the government as the alliance could work out an amicable seat-sharing formula.
BJP would not have crossed 186 seats if there was a pre-election seat-sharing formula".
Highlighting dissatisfaction with the current government, he stated, "People are against the government for communal colonisation.
People do not want Hindu-Muslim game, politicisation of Ram.
People's mandate was led by their dissatisfaction with BJP and no political party can claim the credit".
Sengupta criticised the chief minister of Manipur for not resigning after the election results, along with pointing out the severe impact of the current crisis, which has resulted in over 200 deaths and displacement of tens of thousands of people.
"How long will this situation continue is the question that people want to ask," he said.
Calling for long-lasting solutions, Sengupta stressed the importance of maintaining Manipur's identity and territorial integrity, stating that CPI is against the formation of multiple autonomous councils in the state.
He urged for a political solution driven by political will, involving suggestions from various political parties, intellectuals, and journalists.
Revisiting Manipur's history, including the merger of Manipur with the Union of India and land reform, is crucial for finding lasting solutions, according to Sengupta.
"Such issues could not be ignored while finding solutions.
Lasting solutions should come from a historical perspective," he said.
Addressing the status of CPI, which once had several ministers and MPs, Sengupta acknowledged past setbacks but affirmed that the party is putting its best efforts to revitalise the organisation while upholding communist identity and values.
Informing that the party will complete 100 years next year, he announced that CPI will celebrate its centenary, beginning from December 26 in Kanpur, the birthplace of the party.