Article 355 already imposed in state: BJP spokesman
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 04 2025: Reacting to MP Akoijam Bimol's statements on whether the chief minister is helming the affairs in the state, BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson Suresh Kumar Mayanglambam termed as extremely unfortunate that the MP is not even aware of whether Article 355 has been imposed in Manipur or not, what the provision of the Article are and the true meaning of Article 355.In a press meet held at Thambal Shanglen here on Tuesday, Suresh Kumar said that a person who is extremely vocal about his love for Manipur got to speak in the parliament twice with the latest on Monday lasting for around 15 minutes.

Article 355 already imposed in state: BJP spokesman

However, his words are that of someone who is a poor storyteller, said the Spokesperson, adding that the MP, who had promised to point out true cause of the violence in the parliament and facilitate resettlement of IDPs, instead called for constituting a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the root of the violence.

This indicates that the MP is unaware of the root cause of the violence even now, Suresh said, and urged the people to understand the same.

Questioning why MP Bimol failed to mention the suffering of the indigenous people of the state in the House when he said "I am elected by the people of Manipur"; Suresh opined that Bimol's statements that "some militants in the valley were nurtured by some political party leaders" is akin to endorsing the arrest of village volunteers who are out in the fields and fringes to protect the people.

It would not be wrong to say that Bimol is the enemy of village volunteers.

If AFS-PA is re-imposed in entire Manipur based on the President's motion of thanks, where she mentioned the excessive presence of insurgents and armed groups in the valley, then MP Bimol should be held responsible, he remarked.

Suresh also contended that MP Bimol's reluctance to brand those involved in the massacre of women and children in Jiribam district as Kuki-Zo militants in the House testifies his soft corner for them whereas BJP has been calling them terrorists on account of the brutal terrorist act.

Reflecting on rumours that the 10 Kuki MLAs would be extending support to Con gress to form the next government, the BJP spokes person said that they are basically disrespectful and disloyal acts.

Instead, the focus should be on finding the root cause and solution to the violence, he asserted.

Suresh further reacted on MP Bimol's statements on whether the CM is doing his duty or not, stating that it is unfortunate for an elected representative to be naive on whether Article 355 has been imposed in the state, its provisions and meaning.

He continued that Article 355 means that the law and order powers of Manipur is in the hands of the centre, while the administrative power is bestowed on the chief minister.

If one is representing Manipur, he should speak after thoroughly understanding the suffering of the state instead of speaking like others who have no business or relation with the state, he said.

He then questioned what hidden agenda MP Bimol has for not mentioning who killed civilians and burned their houses on the floor of the House till date despite being an elected representative.

Suresh continued that it is a known fact that Article 355 had been imposed in the state when a security adviser was appointed.

The official order of the same can be obtained from the website of the Home Ministry, he added.

The press meet was also attended by BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary K Sarat.