Cong rolls out red carpet for 11 members

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 12 : With the Manipur crisis, which began over three years ago, still remaining unresolved, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has questioned whether the Government of India (GoI) is deliberately allowing people to kill one another in the State and added that the double-engine BJP Government has failed to explain why the crisis in Manipur continues unabated.
Ibobi who is also the president of  Manipur Pra-desh Congress Committee made the remark while addressing a felicitation pro- gramme held at Congress Bhavan today to welcome 11 political leaders from different Assembly Consti- tuencies who formally joined the Indian National Congress.
Those who joined the party are retired CAF&PD Department DSO Th Oxford (Thongju), retired IUCB Assistant General Manager Longjam Suranjoy (Keirao), retired Assistant Commandant Yengkhom Sanjeep (Thangmeiband), Senior Advocate Laishram Sashi-bhusan (Uripok), retired Associate Professor B Sharat Sharma (Yaiskul), retired MPS officer Th Brinda (Yaiskul), former MLA Kh Devendro (Sekmai), retired Power Department Executive Engineer Kh Gambhir, retired teacher Md Nasir Khan (Lilong), M Anwar Hussain, who contested the last Assembly election on a BJP ticket from Lilong, and retired Colonel Md Sahid Khan (Lilong).
Addressing the function, Ibobi said the double-engine BJP Government has failed to explain why the crisis in Manipur continues unabated.
The GoI responded swiftly to the Pahalagam terror attack by Pakistan but has allowed Manipur to remain in a state of unrest since May 3, 2023, he charged.
He further stated that the GoI could break the cycle of violence and restore normalcy within a short period if it is genuinely committed to doing so.
Accusing the GoI of curtailing the powers of the State Government and preventing it from exercising its legitimate authority, he alleged that the Centre appeared unconcerned about the suffering of the people of Manipur.
The Centre's approach appear to suggest that the killings in Manipur would eventually stop on their own once people grow tired of the violence, he claimed.
He also said the Assembly election due early next year is very crucial to decide the future of the State, alleging that law and order has totally collapsed in the State.
Ibobi also condemned the incident at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district on Saturday when a mob of nearly 600 set ablaze at least three abandoned houses.
“Yesterday’s incident at Kanto Sabal was very surprising to us. However, such acts are not new and every now and then something unfortunate and unwanted always happens in the State.
He said, “Kanto Sabal is located just by the side of a huge army camp, and a large number of Central forces are also being deployed in the area.”
He also claimed that State forces and fire tenders were also not allowed to enter the area when the abandoned houses were burnt.
The former three-time Manipur Chief Minister said, “We, in fact want to question if President’s Rule is being continued in the State or not. The absence of any statement from the State Home Minister on the incident is very unfortunate. We also want to reiterate that law and order has totally collapsed. Democracy is being wiped out from Manipur. How long can we tolerate such violent acts as a Manipuri and as a citizen of this country.” He also said, “We don’t even know if the State Government is still in existence or being controlled from the Centre through remote control.
“The time has come for a fresh mandate in the State and let the people decide whether BJP shall continue or be wiped out. The coming elections are going to be a crucial one to decide the future of Manipur,” Singh added.
Meanwhile, Ibobi said that more people would join the Congress in coming days.
It is time for a change in both the Central and State Governments, he said, while appealing to the people to support the Congress party.
The programme was also attended by Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Congress Working Committee member (AICC) Gaikhangam, party MLAs Ranjit, Th Lokeshwor, O Surjakumar, former MP Dr Th Meinya and other party leaders.