NPP halls Governor's prompt actions, censures CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 08 2025: While welcoming the assertion by new Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla that there is rule of law in the state and nobody is above it, the National People's Party (NPP) national vice president N Joykumar opined that the unrest situation in the state could have been avoided had chief minister N Biren Singh adopted a similar approach from the outset of the violence.

Addressing media persons at NPP state's office at Naoremthong on Wednesday, Joykumar said Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a security meet similar to Unified Command with top security officers of the state immediately after assuming office.

"Without a doubt, the security meet chaired by the governor must have discussed state's security situation and NPP welcomes such a step," he said adding that the new Governor has taken a right step.

Reflecting on a large number of people including armed Kukis attacking Kangpokpi SP's office some days back during which the SP suffered injuries, and shutdown of the Imphal-Dimapur section of the national highway, Joyku mar said in response to the situation, the Governor sent additional central forces to Kangpokpi and ordered to.

take action against those violating laws.

"The Governor's swift action resulted in reopening of the national highway and his action showcased that there is rule of law," Joykumar noted, extolling the timely action from the Governor.

According to the NPP leader, there has been much debate among the people whether-Article 355 was imposed or not in the state and chief minister N Biren had also declared that he is no more chairman of the Unified Command.

"The chief minister could have convened a meeting of the Unified Command any time but N Biren never made such a move since outbreak of the violence," Joykumar rued.

He continued that the Governor visited relief camps in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts immediately after reviewing security, situation in Kangpokpi district.

The Governor's interaction with displaced persons staying in relief camps and his understanding of suffering of violence victims of both the sides showcased impartiality.

It is a good sign that the Governor assured to take punitive action against violators of law irrespective of Meetei or Kuki, Joykumar said, reiterating that the present volatile situation in the state might have been averted had chief minister N Biren Singh acted like the new Governor.

Responding to a query raised by media persons as to why some NPP MLAs still attend government programmes even after withdrawal of support on November 17, 2023, Joykumar said those MLAs might be joining government programmes for their own benefits, while advising the public not to look into their personal activities.

Though the MLAs are allowed freedom of actions at the moment, the party will initiate disciplinary actions if necessary, he added.

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