INDIA delegation urges Governor, CM to address crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 19 2024:
A delegation of INDIA bloc, comprising leaders from 10 political parties, met Governor Anusuiya Uikey at the Raj Bhavan, here, on Wednesday and submitted a memorandum urging for immediate steps to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state.
The delegation included CLP leader Okram Ibobi, CPI leader Dr M Nara, MPCC president K Meghachandra and MP-elect Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
During the meeting with the Governor, former CM Ibobi expressed deep concern and disappointment over the protracted conflict in the state, particularly highlighting Jiribam district which has become the new epicentre of the conflict.
He emphasised that Jiribam denizens have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps.
Noting gravity of the situation, he appealed to the Governor to ensure adequate deployment of state security forces in Jiribam district to re store peace and protect civilians.
Other leaders in the delegation underscored the urgent need for uninterrupted vehicular movement along the national highways to ensure essential commodities, including petroleum products, reach the people without hindrance.
They called upon both the Central and state governments to collaborate effectively in restoring peace and normalcy at the earliest.
The delegation also sought clarification from the Governor regarding her recent meetings with the President of India, union home minister, and finance minister, along with seeking updates on discussions pertaining to the state's crisis.
In response, Governor Anusuiya Uikey welcomed the delegation and assured them of her commitment to restoring peace and security in the state.
She informed the delegation about her recent visit to Delhi, where she briefed the President, home minister, and finance minister about the prevailing situation in the state, confiding that she sought immediate intervention to halt all forms of violence, foster reconciliation between communities, and establish lasting peace.
Regarding the economic challenges exacerbated by the crisis, the Governor informed the finance minister of the state s financial predicament and appealed for financial assistance.
She assured the delegation of her ongoing efforts and determination to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy in Manipur.
In the memorandum, the INDIA bloc voiced profound concern over the ongoing crisis and escalating conflict that has gripped the state since May 3 last year and how the recent violent outbreak in Jiribam district has exacerbated the situation, compelling approximately 1000 residents from Lamtai Khunou and neighbouring villages to seek refuge in makeshift relief camps across the district headquarters and other safe zones.
Expressing dismay, the memorandum highlighted the withdrawal of central security forces from Jiribam during the Lok Sabha elections, which has left remote villages vulnerable and without adequate protection.
This withdrawal has brought life in the district to a standstill, further aggravating the security situation.
The residents of Jiribam have expressed their willingness to return home under the condition that state security forces are deployed to ensure their protection, they pointed out.
Additionally, the recent ambush on the advance escort party of the Chief Minister en-route to Jiribam, at Kotlien in Kangpokpi district, is deeply regrettable.
Such brazen attacks on state security forces pose a serious challenge to the authority of the state, and the perpetrators must be swiftly brought to justice, the memorandum said.
It also mentioned about a recent meeting of like-minded political parties in the state convened on June 17 at Congress Bhawan, wherein, the ongoing crisis and conflict were extensively discussed, and put forward the proposals for immediate attention and action from the government.
The proposals called for immediate deployment of state security forces to safeguard villages in Jiribam district from where residents have fled due to fear of violence.
Security presence is crucial for the safe return of residents from relief camps to their homes, the memorandum said while urging for similar security measures for district headquarters in Churachandpur, Imphal, Kangpokpi, and Moreh.
Highlighting the disruption caused by insecurity, especially on NH-37, for over 10 days, the memorandum demanded adequate security escorts for passenger vehicles, goods trucks, and oil tankers transporting essential commodities on NH-37 and NH-2, reminding that such a measure is crucial to ensure seamless flow of essential goods into the state.
The memorandum further urged both the Union and state governments to swiftly take necessary actions for restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
It also highlighted gravity of the situation and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to bring stability and security back to the state.
Meanwhile, interacting with the media after their visit to Raj Bhavan, CPI national executive member Dr Moirangthem Nara said that they brought up the burning issue in the state, especially the escalating tension in Jiribam, during the meeting with the Governor.
The Governor also warmly welcomed their proposals and expressed confidence of a better outcome in around 10 days while urging for a concerted effort to address the situation.
On the other hand, the INDIA bloc team also met chief minister N Biren at his official residence on Tuesday night and discussed the situation in the state.
In the meeting, both sides agreed to work together to address the issue without any political differences in the larger interest of the state and its people.
They also agreed to discuss further course of actions that need to be taken up.
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