MP set to take Manipur to Lok Sabha

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 16 : Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has said that he will raise four issues related to Manipur, including the plight of internally displaced people (IDPs), during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, starting July 21.
Speaking to the media at his Keishamthong residence, Dr Bimol said that he will raise several issues in Parliament, including creation of buffer zones, restrictions on free movement, the plight of IDPs, Government lapses, and the feasibility of the Government's plan to resettle all IDPs by December 2025.
Saying that he is well-prepared to raise these issues in the interest of all Manipuris, the MP expressed hope that he will get the opportunity to address Parliament.
It is uncertain whether the Government's initiative to resettle all IDPs in three phases by December 2025 will succeed, he said.
Saying that he inspected some relief camps recently and the conditions he saw were heartbreaking, the MP said that he didn't see the Government formulating policies and programmes for these IDPs living in miserable conditions.
Dr Bimol reiterated that he will raise the plight of IDPs in Parliament, saying it's unbecoming of the Government to let them languish for so long.
The MP went on to state that creating buffer zones (though there is no official order) and restricting  people's movement along community lines, violates Article 15 (Right to Freedom of Movement) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution.
He also said that the utilization of development funds in the State and other lapses of the Government will also be raised during the monsoon session.
Dr Bimol continued that the health and education systems in Manipur have failed, adding that many IDPs are unable to send their children to schools.
Government schools, on the other hand, don't have required  infrastructure, he said.
He said healthcare facilities in Manipur have also failed, pointing out that the results of the nurses' recruitment conducted during the Covid pandemic are still pending.
When asked about the proposal to discuss the extension of President's Rule in Manipur, the MP responded that it is unfortunate the BJP couldn't form a Government despite having the required number.
The MP said that he will stand against the proposal to extend PR in Manipur.
If the BJP MLAs and their allies can't form a Government, it is better to hold fresh elections, he said.
Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar also attended the press  briefing.
He said that the Central Government must convene a meeting of all Manipur MLAs to work out a solution to the crisis besetting Manipur.
The MLAs reasoned that meeting Meetei and Kuki CSOs separately won't resolve the crisis.
He also said that the appointment of Puneet Kumar Goel, who allegedly lacks familiarity with Manipur, as the new Chief Secretary, is unfortunate.