Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh today claimed that the BJP is the only political party working towards reconciliation among communities and restoration of free movement across the state.
Addressing BJP workers at the party’s state office in Imphal, Khemchand described the violence that began on May 3, 2023, as “most unfortunate” and said the party was seeking to address the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation.
“While other political parties have criticised it, BJP is the only party which is trying to bring reconciliation and seeking free movement among communities,” he said.
Referring to previous periods of unrest in Manipur, the Chief Minister cited the prolonged agitation for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). He said the ILP was subsequently introduced in the state by the BJP-led government at the Centre, describing it as a measure aimed at protecting indigenous people.
On the demand for the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Khemchand said the issue was part of the BJP’s election manifesto. He also referred to a resolution passed by the Manipur Assembly in August 2022, during the tenure of former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, seeking implementation of the NRC in the state.
“While we did not create this crisis, it is natural for the people to blame us for it,” Khemchand said, while maintaining that the BJP was working to restore peace and promote dialogue among communities.
He said the BJP’s stated objective was to protect all 36 communities in the state and restore normal movement.
Khemchand further said the government’s development initiatives and other work had been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict. He urged party workers to communicate the party’s work to the public, particularly the youth.
Calling for greater electoral mobilisation, the Chief Minister asked BJP workers to work towards securing more seats and larger victory margins in the forthcoming elections.
