MP Bimol outlines five-step approach to address crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 05 2024: Congress MP Dr Bimol Akoijam suggested a five-step approach to resolving the ongoing crisis in Manipur, emphasising the importance of unity within government institutions, strong administrative measures, and the rejection of communal political demands.

In a recent interview with the Free Press Journal, Bimol's first point emphasised the need for the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to speak with one voice on the crisis.

He urged Modi to ensure that all government structures, including the bureaucracy, armed forces, and police, operate in cohesion.

He highlighted the immense power and influence that Prime Minister Modi wields and encouraged him to take decisive action.

"Modi is a very powerful man.

Do whatever you have to do to ensure that the government structures, institutions are rescued", Bimol remarked, urging the Prime Minister to take charge and provide clear, unified leadership.

Bimol's second point centred on rescuing state institutions, particularly the police and armed forces.

He suggested injecting officers from outside the state into the police force and reorganising it for better efficiency.

He also proposed supplementing the state pol|ce with central police organisations, while advocating for the removal of army units that had been stationed in the region for extended periods.

"Whether it is right or wrong is not an issue.

That deficit must be addressed by the armed forces and then rescued," he added, referring to complaints about the military's long-standing presence in Manipur.

He called for temporary measures to restore the police force's credibility and independence, suggesting the introduction of fresh officers and reforms to counter any inefficiencies that have accumulated over time.

One of the most critical aspects of Bimol's approach was his call for the government to take a firm stand against political demands rooted in communal and sectarian ideologies.

He urged the government to announce that no political demand based on identity politics would be entertained.

Tn this country, which is multicultural, multi-religious, multilingual, no political demand based on communal sectarian ideology, identity politics can be satisfied because it will open up Pandora's box," he warned.

Instead, Bimol advocated for the decentralisation of power and the revamping of administrative structures to provide better governance and distribution of wealth.

However, he was clear that such reforms should be based on administrative rationale, not communal identities.

The Congress MP also proposed involving civil society organisations in a dialogue to address the underlying social and political issues in Manipur.

He emphasised the need to initiate talks at the grassroots level to foster mutual understanding and reconciliation.

"The state is trying to involve certain kinds of civil society-level dialogue.

Let's start", he said, underscoring the importance of engaging local communi -ties and leaders in the peace process.

Bimol also highlighted two pressing issues - illegal immigration and the drug trade - which he believes must be dealt with objectively and without demonising any particular community.

He acknowledged the complexities surrounding these issues, especially the widespread involvement in the drug trade, and warned that blaming entire communities would not resolve the problems.

"There are serious issues about illegal immigration that had been raised for a long, long time, and that must be done," he stated, while also expressing concern over the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Bimol revealed that he had raised the question of NRC implementation in Manipur during a parliamentary session, but his query was disallowed.

He questioned the government's reluctance to pursue NRC, despite its stated commitment to addressing illegal immigration stating that even the PM said in the Parliament that there is no plan for NRC.

On the drug issue, Bimol expressed concern about the widespread implications and the tough task of tackling the problem.

"Drug is a serious issue.

I didn't know because So many dimensions and people are implicated, and you will have a tough time," he admitted, while reiterating the importance of addressing these challenges without demonising entire communities.

Throughout the interview, Bimol emphasised the need for strong, decisive leadership from the central government.

He repeatedly urged Prime Minister Modi to ensure that the government speaks in one voice and that state institutions, particularly the police and armed forces, are restored to their proper function.

His proposed roadmap, built on five key steps, aimed at addressing both immediate security concerns and long-term political and social issues in Manipur.

In conclusion, Bimol reiterated his message: the road to peace in Manipur requires unity in government, the rejection of divisive communal politics, and a commitment to addressing the state's most pressing issues through dialogue and effective governance.

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