'War' in state to save BJP, not Manipur: O Joy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 14 2023: Maintaining that not many people would have been killed had the state government dealt handled the conflict as per the constitutional provisions and existing laws of the state, veteran politician Okram Joy contended that the present 'war' in the state is not to safeguard Manipur from disintegration but only to save the saffron party.

Addressing media persons at his Kakwa Huidrom Leikai residence, here, on Thursday, O Joy said that a delegation of four people led by himself met Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Wednesday and urged for extending all necessary help in restoring peace and tranquility in the strife-torn state through the joint intervention of the state and central governments.

Asserting that statement made to the Governor is equivalent to intimating the government of India, O Joy said that restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur is the responsibility of state and central governments.

While stating that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government, he expressed remorse that the chief minister has been deprived of power in his own state.

Pointing out that the state cabinet should decide if the Assam Rifles should be withdrawn from the state, Joy termed as embarrassing that Manipur's legislators carried out protest in front of Ashoka Hotel demanding removal of Assam Rifles from the state.

While condemning in the strongest term the murder of 13 Meiteis near Leithao village in Tengnoupal district, he said that the killing is akin to ethnic cleansing and vivid case of genocide.

The state government needs to provide specific report in this regard to the people as there can be no peace and normalcy when mind and heart of the people are filled with chaos, confusion and despair.

If the state government had dealt with the crisis under the Constitution and existing laws, not much of the killings and murders we see now could have occurred, he reiterated.

Joy also deplored lack of initiative from speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly to humble proposals for investigation into the conduct of the 10 Kuki MLAs and give them befitting punishment.

The 10 MLAs among whom some are presently serving as ministers in the government, are sending large amount of money for executing many activities related to waging war.

Since the majority of them are BJP members, the state government is keeping silent.

At present, the people are taking part in the 'war' while those who are supposed to lead the war are protecting their chairs and the saffron party, he added.

Naoriya Pakhanglakpa ex-MLA RK Anand, who was also present during the press conference, said that there is no administration in Moreh, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi as the Kukis in these areas are doing things at their own sweet will.

Therefore, it is worth asking whether the union government had actually provided separate administration to these areas.

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