Cong leaders tear apart ‘machinations’ of BJP

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 11 : Coming down heavily on the BJP Government, Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has stated that the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has caused widespread displacement, is the handiwork of the Centre.
Speaking at a political conference held today under the theme "Women in Politics, Save the Constitution, Save Democracy, Save Manipur" at Sagolband Ingudam Leikai, he questioned why the Government did not intervene when ethnic clashes erupted in areas like Moreh and Churachandpur where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is enforced.
He said that there was a significant presence of both Central and State security forces in Manipur when the crisis initially unfolded on May 3, 2023.
Despite this, the situation escalated, the MP added.
It was the double standards of the GoI that led to the crisis in Manipur,  Bimol said, emphasising that the situation could have been prevented, or at least mitigated, had the State Government intervened, even if the Centre was responsible for creating the crisis.
Saying that there are buffer zones in Manipur despite the Government's denial, the MP said that he was not allowed to cross a buffer zone in Bishnupur recently.
Meiteis are now confined to the valley districts, he said likening their situation to fish in a pot.
There is a complete absence of rule of law in the State, he said and appealed to the people to elect responsible leaders in the upcoming elections.
K Ranjit, Sugnu AC MLA and Deputy CLP leader, stated that confining the Meiteis to the valley districts is a "gift" from the BJP Government.
Claiming that the current BJP Government is far worse than the colonial British rule, he said the integrity of Manipur has been threatened on all fronts under its regime.
He also emphasised that the involvement of the people in politics is essential in safeguarding Manipur.
"Let’s not sell our precious votes for money during elections," he appealed.
The BJP MLAs in Manipur are unable to form a Government despite having the number to do so, the Congress leader said.
He also stated that the crisis in Manipur escalated due to the incompetence of the former Chief Minister.
The Congress party also wants the formation of a popular Government in Manipur, he said, wishing the BJP MLAs success in their efforts to form a Government.
Ranjit, however, expressed doubt that a Government would be formed in Manipur anytime soon.
How will a Government be formed when the Meeteis are cut off from the National Highways, he asked.
It is all drama, Ranjit said referring to all the buzz surrounding the formation of a Government.
The suspended BJP Government was unable to find a solution to the crisis in Manipur, the Congress leader said and added that people had pinned their hopes on the President's Rule administration, but nothing has changed, and Manipur remains in a state of unrest.
No solution to the crisis has been found so far although the Prime Minister and the President had visited Manipur, he said.
Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar, ex Ministers Kh Loken, N Loken and other Congress leaders also attended the programme.