BJP Govt's apathy ruining Manipur: Vickey Maheser
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 10 2023:
The union government has embarrassed itself intentionally due to its apathy towards the prevailing violence in Manipur.
Since the BJP government has been forever claiming the principle of 'One Nation', it should also view Manipur impartially as one state, All India Student Federation (AISF) general secretary Vickey Maheser has remarked.
Addressing a press meet at Irawat Bhawan here on Saturday, Vickey alleged that over the last nine years of the BJP government, any tension occurring in any state always blow up out of proportion due to the government's mishandling, despite having the power to curb any violence overnight.
All big issues can be resolved through negotiations, he said and urged the government to be sincere towards its responsibilities and help solve the prevailing situation in the state.
Questioning why the BJP government is watching the violence happening in Manipur and other states when its focus is on 'One Nation', he urged for viewing everyone the same.
If the 'One Nation' principle is to be realised, action and not mere resolution is needed to solve all prevailing issues in the state.
Furthermore, there is the need to discuss the future of the many displaced students who are staying in over 30 relief camps.
Providing temporary rehabilitation centres is not true rehabilitation, he said, adding that the government's first priority should be to resettle the displaced at a safer location.
Vickey then remarked that banning the internet service will do no good or help solve the prevailing issue.
A true democracy is one where the people can live safely without any fear.
However, the people of Manipur are in a precarious situation, he said, adding that the violence can be solved only at the table, and as such, urged for solving the violence at the earliest for the sake of the students.
All India Youth Federation (AIYF) general secretary Thirimulai Raman remarked that any ethnic clash is not good for the country.
The union government should take up the responsibility of ending the violence and restoring peace and normalcy, instead of playing electoral games.
He continued that PM Modi has the time to make foreign visits but no time to visit Manipur, meet the stakeholders and the people and work for restoration of peace in the state.
If sincere efforts are made to restore normalcy in the state, around 70 per cent of the conflict could be said to be taken under control.
After this, further dialogues could be held to restore peace in the state.
As such, he urged the government to hold dialogues and negotiations to curb the violence Thirimulai then said that unemployment is a big issue, with many unemployed youths straying onto the wrong path.
Thus, the parliament should enact Bhagat Singh National Employment Guarantee Act for the unemployed youths, in addition to providing free education and free medical aid, he asserted.