Blame Congress but restore peace: Gaikhangam
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 16 2023:
Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his statement on Manipur during the Independence Day speech, Congress leader Gaikhangam has asked BJP to blame Congress all they want but take up measures to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Addressing a press conference at his home at Mantripukhri here on Wednesday, the former deputy chief minister said that he feels happy that the PM found some time to mention about Manipur.
He, however, said that it was a little too late, while taking a jibe at the PM for his late response on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state.
Stating that there was shootout in Phayeng area the moment the Prime Minister spoke about restoring peace in Manipur, Gaikhangam wondered if there is any hidden agenda behind the failure of the Central government to control the violence.
The AICC leader further said that the present situation in the state will need political intervention to resolve as the public alone cannot bring a solution and the government has a crucial role to play in diffusing the tension.
He said that politicising the matter by blaming Congress party will not be the right thing to do at the moment.
It is time to keep aside political differences and work towards controlling the situation and restoring peace.
Even if BJP cannot get a good sleep without blaming Congress, they can blame the party all they want but they should take up measures to restore peace and present if to the public.
Take the credit for restoring peace but do what is needed, he asked.
Recalling a statement of CM Biren, who admitted in telligence failure, Gaikhangam said that there were numerous signs of the violence from April 27 and 28 but the government ignored the developments due to which the crisis, which could be averted easily, is continuing for over 100 days.
Maintaining that the state government lacks efforts in controlling the crisis, he said that the government could have controlled the situation in the initial days instead of waiting for the crisis to cool down on its own.
The way the two governments handled the situation shows a lethargic response and it contributed in allowing the violence to continue.
The government could have taken up a policy to direct its action against the group, who act first.
Despite the heavy presence of central security forces, no action was seen on the ground and it shows the lack of interest on the part of the Central government in controlling the situation, he said.
He further said that the crisis has affected the social fabric as well economy of the state and the impact will be huge and it will leave a mark for generations.
The crisis will set back the development of the state a couple of decades.
The situation needs urgent intervention as it will also have psychological impact to the people.
In past conflicts, ministers and MLAs irrespective of their political affiliation took major role in restoring peace but this time, there is no such initiatives even though committees were formed, he said while expressing concern over the lack of interest in resolving the crisis shown by the government.
Earlier on Tuesday, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee celebrated the 77th Independence Day at Congress Bhavan with AICC standing committee member and former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam hoisting the national flag.
MPCC president MLA K Meghachandra, Congress MLAs and party workers also attended the programme.
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