IT News
Imphal, April 7:
Controversy has arisen over the Congress’s manifesto concerning its stance on Manipur. Responding to the BJP’s allegation that the Congress manifesto appears to agree with the demand for separate administration, Bimol Akoijam, the Inner Manipur Candidate of Congress, said in a press conference today that the BJP is not applying any thought while criticizing Congress’s position in the manifesto. He emphasized that the manifesto states that a political and administrative settlement will be brought that is satisfactory to all the people of Manipur, including the Meiteis. “BJP is unable to understand this point,” he added. The Congress’s argument is that it is important to have such an inclusive solution as a goal for any meaningful reconciliation. Bimol Akoijam said, “Reconciliation is a must, and in conflicts all over the world, truth and reconciliation are tools for bringing communities together.” “Even though people think anything can be said since election campaigning is ongoing, there should be some standard,” he added.
Doubling down on the criticism of BJP, K Meghachandra, spokesperson of Manipur Congress, said that the manifesto has been written after discussions with intellectuals and the general public of the entire country. He said, “some of those who are coming out from BJP and criticizing the Congress manifesto need education. He suggested that BJP IT cells should conduct adult education classes as they are saying things completely devoid of reality. People have lost their lives and livelihood.” Furthermore, responding to the demand by the public to clarify Congress’s stand ST demand, he said that the party has already made its stand clear on the floor of the house. “We have moved a resolution that the ethnographic report on Meiteis should be sent to the center as it is required if we want to include Meiteis in the ST list. Multiple times this government has been asked by the authorities to send the report but it has not been done,” he added. Lastly, he appealed to the public that instead of asking the stand of the opposition, people should ask the stand of the ruling party on this matter.
