The Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has strongly criticized the meeting of ten MLAs—including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one Independent, and one from an NDA alliance partner—with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on May 28, describing it as a politically motivated act aimed at diverting public attention rather than addressing the real issues facing the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MIYC termed the meeting at Raj Bhavan a “disgraceful charade,” questioning its intent and effectiveness, particularly in light of the state being under President’s Rule since February 13. The youth body said that while the people of Manipur have repeatedly demanded the restoration of a democratically elected government, the MLAs have failed to stake a formal claim to form a new government, revealing what MIYC described as a lack of leadership and seriousness.
Referring to the recent Gwaltabi incident, in which the name “Manipur” was allegedly removed from a state transport bus by security forces, the MIYC said the symbolic erasure of the state’s identity has angered citizens, sparking widespread protests. It criticized the MLAs for not taking a firm public stand on the issue and accused them of trying to shield themselves from public outrage through superficial political actions.
The MIYC further condemned the BJP and its allies for failing to lead efforts to end President’s Rule or respond meaningfully to the people’s demands. It warned that continued inaction could result in public backlash, including the possibility of a mass political boycott against national parties in the state.
The youth organization urged the MLAs to take concrete steps to restore democratic governance, stating that symbolic meetings without action would no longer be tolerated by the people of Manipur.