Extending PR is anti-people : MPCC

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25: President's Rule has been used as a political tool to cover up BJP's failure to form and run an effective Government, and extending it further for 6 months would go against the will of the people, MPCC president MLA K Meghachandra has asserted.
This was stated during a free health camp, organised by the doctor's cell of the MPCC, at the premises of the United Friends Library and Club at Lamboikhong-nangkhong.
Speaking at the camp, Meghachandra said the people don't want the President's Rule to be extended for another 6 months.
Imposed on February 13, 2025, President's Rule in Manipur will complete 6 months on August 12. The BJP-led Central Government has now taken steps to further extend the President's Rule by another 6 months against the will of the people, Meghachandra said.
Extending President's Rule in the State will not be a constructive step. This will only degrade the democratic values and the spirit of federalism enshrined in the Constitution, he said.
The President's Rule is supposed to be a temporary measure under Article 356 of the Constitution. However, this has been utilised as a mere political tool to cover the BJP's failure to form and run an effective Government and to undermine democratic values, he added.
An absence of strong leadership and  the "double-engine" Government's failure to resolve the conflict are the reasons for the Centre mulling to extend the President's Rule, Meghachandra asserted.
The Centre's inability to resolve the Manipur conflict even after more than 2 years reflects its failure, he added. Even after nearly 2 years and 3 months, the Centre is unable to resolve the crisis, and the Prime Minister has not once visited the State, Meghachandra said.
While the PM has stayed away from Manipur, he has not spoken a word of concern for the people who have been affected by the crisis. He has also not spoken a word to pacify the people inside and outside of the Parliament, he added. In all, the Centre has not taken up any concrete steps or produced a road-map to resolve the crisis and bring peace. It has also failed to allow movement of people within the State, Meghachandra said.
Further, the Central Government has not called an all political party meeting over the Manipur issue. Also, the peace committee which was formed by the recent Government has not met once, he asserted.
Conducted with the assistance of Chief Medical Officer Imphal West and MPCC Doctor Cell chairman Dr N Dwijamani, the camp was attended by locals of Uripok.
Around 20 doctors and specialists  screened the people of various ailments. Similar camps under the theme "Health for all" will also be held in other places across the State, said Dr Dwijamani.