IT News
Imphal, Nov 17:
Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urgently intervene in the escalating crisis in the state. He criticized both the state and central governments for the total collapse of constitutional governance, highlighting the unprecedented violence and the worsening law-and-order situation.
Speaking at a press meet, Ibobi Singh said, “The state is experiencing unprecedented chaos, with infants and women, regardless of caste or religion, being killed. This is utterly reprehensible and highlights the breakdown of governance at both the state and central levels. Drastic political moves, including mass resignations by legislators from both the ruling and opposition parties may be taken up, if no actions are taken up.”
He urged Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to immediately request a meeting with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. “For months, we have been asking for an opportunity to present the situation in Manipur. If our requests are still ignored, we will have no option but to take decisive action. If the voices of both ruling and opposition MLAs are disregarded, what is the purpose of being in the Assembly?” Ibobi Singh stated.
Ibobi Singh, while stating his willingness to resign if it would help resolve the crisis, emphasized that such a decision would only be considered as a last resort. “We are here at the behest of the people and in their service. It would be unjustifiable to quit without cause. But if the only solution to the problem is our resignation, we are prepared to do so at any time,” he stated.
When asked about the demands for Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation and the imposition of President’s Rule, Ibobi Singh explained his stance, stating that demands for Biren Singh’s resignation are an internal matter for the BJP and for President’s Rule, the people of do not endorse it. And, the current government’s failure must be addressed through constitutional means, not by imposing central rule.
Meanwhile, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Inner Manipur MP representing Congress Party, criticized the government’s decision of reinstating the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) within six police stations of the state and termed the action regrettable and seen as a further evidence of the government’s lack of political will to resolve the prevailing issues in the state’s situation.
At a press briefing, Bimol expressed his regret about the decision and observed that AFSPA’s reimposition was aggravating the conflict in Manipur instead of addressing its causes. The MP pointed out that while the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been amended over time to grant powers to both the central and state governments, Manipur remains the only state where the law is enforced by both. He argued that this dual imposition undermines the state’s autonomy and its ability to govern independently, highlighting concerns over the erosion of the federal structure in the state. “This step actually demonstrates that the Government of India is not serious in resolving the conflict in Manipur and also puts their motives into question,” Bimol stated.
