Three-time Manipur CM Ibobi "not allowed" to share his views at all-party meet
Source: Nirendra Dev *

New Delhi, June 24 2023: Was the all-party meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the deteriorating situation in Manipur on Saturday only an eyewash ? .

Opposition parties demand sacking of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and all-party delegation visit to Manipur.

But Home Minister Amit Shah, who convened the meeting, did not commit anything specific.

Most opposition leaders felt the government did not make any specific assurance or gave any convincing replies to some of the critical questions raised.

The Congress party has reacted angrily to the manner the proceeding at the meeting went on and complained that former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was not allowed to speak his mind.

"....our representative, the senior most leader from Manipur, 3-time elected CM Okram Ibobi Singh, was not allowed to present his points representing the pain and anguish of the people of Manipur.

He was the only leader from Manipur in the all-party meeting today, and it is an insult not only to the former Chief Minister and the Congress party, but the people of Manipur, that their representative was not allowed to fully put forth his point of view," tweeted senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

MPs from various parties including RJD demanded sacking of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Leaders and parties including Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) , Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Trinamool Congress demanded an all-party delegation visit to violence-hit Manipur.

However, sources said there was "no commitment" from Amit Shah.

Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader B Vinod Kumar from Telangana said the situation is grim in Manipur.

"Adequate steps should be taken to immediately disarm the Kuki and Meitei groups as many of them have looted 4000 sophisticated arms and ammunition from police and security forces," he said.

"I suggested an all-party delegation visit to Manipur because the peace efforts and committee so far set up by the centre and state Chief Minister N Biren Singh has failed.

Earlier, there was a peace mission to Jammu and Kashmir when stone pelting and other disturbances had surfaced," he said, however adding "the similar suggestions have been made by NCP and Trinamool, but there was commitment on that from the Home ministry" .

The leaders also insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should break his silence on the vexed issue.

"The entire opposition went to the extent of saying that the person heading the administration of Manipur is not trustworthy...we can't have peace in Manipur till he is in charge," remarked Manoj Jha of RJD.

"I met with various Manipur groups and they all have echoed the same sentiments of distrust on the Chief Minister of Manipur.

The accountability starts with the state government," said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi after the all-party meeting.

She also pointed out that Minister of State for External Affairs Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh had himself said that the law and order situation had collapsed.

"So, where is the accountability.....," she wondered.

BJP leader Sambit Patra said, "During the meeting, the Home Ministry explained what triggered the violence (in Manipur) and what steps have been taken so far.

All parties raised their concerns by keeping political differences aside" .

"Everybody emphasized on the thought that #Manipur requires a healing touch," RJD leader Manoj Jha said.

The Congress party also demanded immediate removal of Chief Minister Biren Singh.

The Congress party also demanded adequate steps to ensure supply of essential commodities for the people.

"The Chief Minister (Biren Singh) has admitted twice his failure to handle the situation and deal with the crisis...on March 11, 2023, he unilaterally withdrew the state government's commitment to the tripartite agreement on Suspension of Operations...This is one glaring example in a series of blunders," the Congress party stated.

The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi, BJP president J.P.Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP chief Conrad Sangma, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, Trinamool Congress MP, Derek O'Brien, Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Home Ministry officials.

* The sender of this news can be contacted at nirendev1(AT)gmail(DOT)com .

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