BJP MLA negates MP Arthur's claims on state crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2024: In response to MP Alfred Kanngam Arthur's statement in the Parliament that the chief minister of Manipur is solely responsible for the current crisis in the state, Lamlai MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha has questioned whether the MP could take the responsibilities of tackling illegal immigration, implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC), preventing deforestation, stopping poppy cultivation, combating drug trafficking, and halting illegal construction in reserved forests.

MLA Ibomcha also questioned if the MP opposes these measures.

Addressing media persons at Thambal Shanglen office of BJP Manipur Pradesh, here, on Wednesday, MLA Ibomcha criticised the Congress party for exploiting the current crisis for political gain and advised to abstain from cheap politics.

Reacting to MP Alfred's remarks in the Parliament on Tuesday, holding the chief minister of Manipur accountable for the conflict and demanding removal of the chief minister to restore peace and expressing disappointment that the Prime Minister has not taken necessary actions, Ibomcha advised the Congress party to acknowledge that BJP's stance is to protect Manipur's territorial integrity, oppose demand for separate administration or union territory, identify and deport illegal immigrants, combat drug trafficking, and halt illegal construction in reserved forests.

The state government's action to protect the indigenous people prompted All Tribal Students' Union Manipur to organise a solidarity march, during which militants attacked the Meeteis and destroyed their houses and properties, thus, leading to the current conflict.

Given these facts, Alfred Kann-gam Arthur's allegations are nothing more than a blatant lie, the MLA claimed.

Asserting that the Congress is primarily motivated by vote bank politics, regardless of the impact on Manipur, the MLA cited reports in local media that Alfred negotiated with illegal immigrants who are destabilising Manipur before the Lok Sabha elections.

The MLA also contended that the Congress manifesto promised formation of Reconciliation Committee and strive towards political and administrative settlement, if elected.

This promise led to the Congress receiving over 95 percent of the votes in the Lok Sabha elections.

After the elections and during Rahul Gandhi's visit to Churachandpur, ITLF presented a memorandum urging for implementing promises made in the manifesto, vividly underscoring agreement between the Congress and illegal immigrants, he maintained.

Ibomcha also emphasised the need for all to set aside personal differences, for progress of Manipur and its indigenous people.

It is regrettable, however, that the Congress is not addressing the current issue with the seriousness it entails, he stated while adding that an FIR has also been registered against Congress' national spokesperson for claiming that the current conflict in Manipur is due to ethnic cleansing of the Kukis by the Meeteis.

Additionally, a former AICC general secretary had to apologise for suggesting that the crisis could only be resolved through separate administration for the Kukis, leading to his removal from the position, MLA Ibomcha reminded.

He also said that although MP Alfred Kanngam claimed in the Parliament on Tuesday that he and his family have played a significant role in the nation-building, he failed to mention the tragic incident involving the burning to death of Ibet-ombi, the wife of freedom fighter Surchand of Serou, who was honoured by former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, after locking inside her house and set on fire by Kuki militants during the ethnic crisis.

MLA Ibomcha also criticised the state Congress leaders for blaming the BJP for the crisis without offering any solutions to address it.

Meanwhile, the Challengers Youth of Khundrakpam AC has condemned MP Alfred Kanngam Arthur's statement.

During a press conference at the Manipur Press Club on Wednesday, James Leishangthem of the Challengers Youth accused the MP of being unaware of the root cause of the ongoing crisis persisting for the last 15 months.

He pointed out that while Kukis may demand the removal of Chief Minister Biren, this alone will not resolve the crisis.

He emphasised that the crisis could be resolved with proper border fencing, full implementation of the NRC, and abrogation of the SoO agreement.

Comment