Ruling MLAs apprehensive of Delhi visit sans CM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 12 2023:
A day after 23 ruling MLAs signed a resolution in the presence of chief minister N Biren and volunteers of Youths of Manipur to uphold territorial integrity of Manipur, reject any demand for separate administration and pursue the same with the Central leaders, many of the ruling MLAs are expressing concern if their visit to New Delhi seeking prompt solution to the crisis would bear any fruit, especially in the absence of the CM.
Some of the ruling MLAs told The People's Chronicle that the crisis in the state has crossed four months and there are incidents of gunfight almost every day.
Considering the situation and protracted violence, the MLAs felt that the Central government has been lethargic in handling the crisis.
They are apprehensive of getting appointment with Central leaders or even if they get the appointment, they are not sure if their pressure would bring fruitful results, especially without the presence and direct pressure of the chief minister.
They doubt that their visit would turn out as a simple visit for submitting their representation.
There was an instance of Central leaders asking the ruling MLAs to return to Imphal, which many of the MLAs denied.
However, the ruling MLAs, whom TPC talked with, feared that a similar response might be awaiting them in the national capital.
They also expressed their belief that a joint delegation of both ruling and opposition MLAs would be more effective in mounting pressure to the Centre.
Mention may be made that the Central government had sent in more than 60,000 troops of different central security forces after the violence broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur following a tribal solidarity march.
Despite having more than 1 lakh central security forces besides the strength of state force, the government has not been successful in controlling the violence and restore peace.
Cycle of violence involving heavy exchange of fires are often reported in the fringe areas where hill and valley meet.
In such situation, different sections of the society are raising questions on the role and responsibility of the numerous security forces deployed in the state.
There have been multiple instances wherein, people expressed belief of a definitive action from the Central government, a notion which could never be seen on the ground.
As the violence continues unabated for over four months, several ruling MLAs are fuming with resentment against the Centre as well as state government.
They see a lack of commitment or authority to control the violence and lethargic response from the Centre as well.
In such situation, some of the ruling MLAs are exploring options of resigning from the membership of the state legislative assembly during a recent closed door meeting, one of the MLAs said.
Meanwhile, the MLAs further said that some of the ruling MLAs have already reached Delhi and some are likely to leave Imphal on Wednesday.
However, TPC could not get the names of the MLAs, who would be visiting Delhi to mount pressure to the Centre.