IT News
Imphal, Jan 18:
BJP MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, addressing the press at Thambal Sanglen, called for unity amid the state’s current crisis, urging political parties to set aside differences and refrain from making baseless allegations.
MLA Ibomcha accused the Congress party of exploiting the situation for political gains, claiming they have been targeting the BJP since the violence began on May 3. He alleged that the Congress had been consistently raising issues to tarnish the BJP’s image and had made accusations against key leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
The BJP MLA refuted Congress claims that the Chief Minister linked the ongoing conflict to the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Manipur. Instead, Ibomcha highlighted the Chief Minister’s statement that the conflict stemmed from long-standing preparations by certain groups, culminating in the May 3 rally organized by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM).
Ibomcha identified illegal immigration since 1968 as the core issue, blaming the Congress for granting permanent settlements to refugees during its tenure. He alleged that Kuki underground groups are led by illegal immigrants and held the Congress responsible for the rise in these activities.
The BJP MLA criticized the Congress-led governments for failing to address critical issues, including agreements between Kuki militants and the Assam Rifles, which were formalized in 2008. He claimed that monitoring mechanisms were ineffective, allowing activities such as poppy cultivation, drug trade, and human trafficking to flourish.
The lack of action by previous governments, according to Ibomcha, led to an abnormal increase in the refugee population and the proliferation of new villages, exacerbating the state’s crisis.
The BJP has reiterated its commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring peace in Manipur, while accusing the Congress of negligence and political opportunism.
