Ibobi slams PR Govt's inconsistency
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2025: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has slammed the Centre's President's Rule Government in Manipur, accusing it of a disconnect between its words and actions.

He made the remark during the 34th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (AntiTerrorism Day) held at Congress Bhavan yesterday.

Congress leaders led by Ibobi including MPCC president K Meghchandra, Congress Working Committee member of AICC Gaikhangam and others paid floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi's photo during the observance.

A pledge was also taken to stand against terrorism.

Addressing the function, Ibobi continued the Gwaltabi incident where Central security forces demanded removal of Manipur's signage from a State transport bus carrying journalists was clear evidence of the Government's irresponsibility.

He condemned the incident as unfortunate.

The law and order situation in Manipur has deteriorated under the BJP Government, and N Biren was removed as Chief Minister because his Government failed to protect lives and properties, he charged.

Noting that Manipur has been under President's Rule (PR) for over three months, Ibobi said the Centre, however, has also failed to enforce law and order in the State.

People had expected return of normalcy in the State, but the unfolding situation only highlights the contradiction between the Centre's words and actions, he asserted.

Ibobi added that the Centre's policies under President's Rule are no different from those of the State Government which has been put under suspended animation.

Saying that the Central forces' insistence on removing "Manipur" signage from a State transport bus shows a complete breakdown of law and order in the State under PR, the Congress leader maintained that preventing a bus with "Manipur" inscribed on it from operating within the State's territory was a big blunder by the Centre and the authorities governing the State.

Pointing out that the Central forces that ordered the removal of "Manipur" signage from the bus at Gwaltabi are under the Union Home Ministry, he asked whether the directive came from the Central Government itself.

Ibobi said that the Prime Minister, the Union Home Ministry and the Governor must take responsibility for the Gwaltabi incident which has sparked widespread controversy.

Despite the Centre's repeated assurances of not compromising Manipur's integrity, the reality on the ground tells a different story, he charged.

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