IT News
Imphal, Jan 3:
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has sharply criticized the BJP-led government in Manipur under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Ibobi Singh rebuked Biren Singh’s repeated claims that the challenges facing the state today are due to failures of the previous Congress government.
Speaking to the media, Ibobi specifically addressed the BJP government’s claims about the Indo-Myanmar border fencing project. The former Chief Minister stated that the project was initiated during his tenure under the Congress government, contrary to Biren Singh’s assertions. He pointed out that the Congress government had completed 4.5 km of fencing work with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, Biren Singh’s government claims to have completed only 9 km of the 398-km border and is taking undue credit for the project, Ibobi added.
Ibobi also recalled that during his tenure, concerns over potential loss of Indian territory due to the fencing project prompted his government to initiate a joint survey with India’s Survey of India and Myanmar’s counterpart for proper demarcation. He questioned the BJP government’s progress, highlighting that over 338 km of the porous border remains unfenced.
Referring to the issue of illegal immigrants, Ibobi brought up a statement made by Chief Minister Biren Singh during the India Today conclave on October 7, 2018. At the time, Biren Singh claimed there were no illegal infiltrators in Manipur. Ibobi questioned how the BJP government could now blame the Congress for the presence of illegal immigrants when Biren Singh himself denied their existence during his tenure.
Addressing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with Kuki armed groups in 2008 during his tenure, Ibobi defended the move, stating its primary objective was to restore peace and normalcy in the state. He added that the agreement included provisions to ensure the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and safeguard the rights of common citizens. When the ground rule are violated it is the state government.
The former Chief Minister further criticized Biren Singh for repeatedly blaming the Congress government despite having apologized for earlier remarks. Ibobi concluded by stating that the people of Manipur are aware of the facts and can see through the BJP government’s narrative.
