Article 355 enforced, will seek date with PM: CM to Oppn
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 21 2024: Chief Minister N Biren has assured a delegation of 10 political parties from the opposition to seek an appointment for meeting the Prime Minister, while also conceding that Article 355 is in effect in the state.

A delegation of Aam Aadmi Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Forward Bloc, Indian National Congress, Janata Dal (United), Nationalist Congress Party, Revolutionary Socialist Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), and All India Trinamool Congress - met the chief minister at his office secretariat on Sunday around 6 pm.

The meeting continued till 7.30 pm.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said that the decision to meet the CM was taken in a meeting of the opposition parties held on Friday as they can no longer remain indifferent over the evolving unrest situation in the state.

Stating that responsibility to protect public lives and properties lies with the state government and Centre is bound to assist the state in terms of security forces and equipment among other requirements, he acknowledged the people's growing anxiety as return of peace remains elusive.

Moreover, keeping in view of the inapt handling of the crisis situation by the Centre, the 10 political parties had always felt the need for a joint delegation of all political parties to meet the Prime Minister.

During the meeting, they urged the chief minister to seek an appointment with the Prime Minister, to which the CM assured to send an urgent letter to the PM's office, Ibobi maintained.

Though it is the prerogative of the chief minister to make such arrangements but the 10 political parties could not wait for the initiative from the government and went ahead to raise the demand to the incumbent CM.

In the past while meeting the Union Home Minister, the 10 political parties had stressed the need for the Centre to serve ultimatum to the armed groups to lay down arms with a stern warning in order to control the situation.

They emphasised on the need for democratic solution without violence, but no positive response in this regard could be seen so far, he said.

Ibobi further said that the opposition party could not help wonder if there is a hidden agenda of the Centre behind the crisis.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president MLA K Meghachandra said that the delegation expressed dissatisfaction of the people on the government over its lack of transparency in handling the crisis.

They also highlighted confusion among the people regarding the promulgation of Article 355, to which the CM confided that Article 355 is very much in effect in the state.

It was unfortunate that the government has been keeping the public in the dark regarding .Article 355, which covers external aggression and internal disturbances as well, he added.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, forest minister Awangbow Newmai, education minister Th Basanta Kumar, MLA Md Abdul Nasir and MLA Th Shanti were also present at the meeting from the ruling side.

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