Prof Bimol accuses BJP of misinterpreting Cong manifesto
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 07 2024: Slamming the remark made by BJP state leaders claiming separate administration, promise in Congress manifesto, INC candidate for Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Prof Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said that there is no such promises for separate administration in the manifesto and what BJP said is nothing but a cheap propaganda without any truth.

What Congress promises in the manifesto is to heal the wounds between the communities and to appoint a Reconciliation Commission to bring about a political and administrative settlement that will be satisfactory to all the people of the state, he said.

He was participating at the 'Know Your Candidate' programme organised by International Meeteis Forum in relation with the 18th Lok Sabha Election - 2024 on Saturday.

Only Prof Bimol and independent candidate Haorungbam Sarat participated in the programme while RK Somendro (Kaiku) came but left hurriedly citing personal issues.

Speaking at the programme, Prof Bimol observed that the integrity and unity of Manipur has long been fractured with individual interests of Meetei, Naga, Kuki and Meitei Pangal taking the front stage.

This situation merits removal of the wedges that have been put between the communities for decades, right from the British colonial period.

Among other major causes of the current crisis, mapping the geography of the state without any modern economic and administrative rational is also one, he said.

There was a tendency of putting any hill into Kangpokpi even though they are physically located in the outskirts of Bishnupur and Thoubal districts.

People residing in these areas belong to Kangpokpi district even though they are part of Bishnupur and Thoubal district for all their needs ranging from basic living to education and healthcare services.

These are one of the primary hurdles in bringing development and only affect the Meeteis but also other communities residing in such villages.

These past mistakes should be rectified after bringing an understanding among the people, he stressed.

Mentioning about the recently released election manifesto of Congress party, Prof Bimol said that the manifesto has no mention or hint of giving separate administration and it is unfortunate that his rivals are resorting to false propaganda.

Bringing mutual understanding and reconciliation is the way forward to resolve the crisis which the Congress is promising, he said.

The candidate further said that mudslinging between BJP and Congress is not the right way to save the state.

Whatever decision or outlook the national parties have, the important thing is the firm stand of the state units and boldness of the state leaders.

Everybody knows how the Congress government in the state stood against the Centre's decision on AFSPA and repealed the law from seven assembly segments of the state.

It is the firm relationship between the elected representatives and the public that is important.

Public support is most important thing that matters and as such despite having elected as MP of the state, he could do nothing if the people are not behind him, Prof Bimol maintained.

A retrospection of the 11-month long crisis in the state should testify whether the state leaders had the quality to stand firm.

As the state government exists under Article 163 of the Constitution of India it should be exercising constitutional power and security forces like CRPF and Assam Rifles have no authority to defy order of the state government.

Even if they fail to follow, the state government should have the power to reprimand them, which was not in the case of the state, forcing one to question competency of the government, he said.

On the other hand, independent candidate Haorungbam Sarat said that the current crisis in the state is akin to a volcanic eruption, which is long due.

It is an outcome of the past mistakes and unresolved issues.

The separate administration demand of Kuki is not a new but dates back to 1946 when Kuki Inpi, Kuki General Assembly was established.

Suppressing issues without any permanent or viable solution for decades led to the current situation and the most important thing is the disunity within the Meetei community that has been in slumber for over eight decades.

Thankfully, the crisis has awaken the ignorant Meeteis, he said.

CPI had ruled the state for 15 years, MPP 10 years, Socialist Party 10 years, Congress 40 years and BJP seven years.

In this long period, there was not a single issue that had been resolved permanently.

MPs elected from the state are also the same.

All of them remained silent as soon as they reach the Parliament and most of the MPs are from the teaching profession, who are academically well-qualified persons.

It was unfortunate that such well-qualified persons failed to make their presence in the Parliament, he added.

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