Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam today called for decisive legal action to contain fresh unrest in Manipur, warning that renewed violence could further destabilise the state and have wider national implications.
Speaking at a public meeting at his Keishamthong residence, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam said the political restraint shown by Naga and Kuki MLAs amid the ongoing tension in Litan should serve as an example across Manipur, nearly two years after ethnic violence first erupted on May 3, 2023.
Describing recent reports of violence as alarming, he cautioned that disturbances at different levels may be driven by concealed agendas. He asserted that political demands must not be advanced along communal lines, warning that such an approach would harm not only Manipur but also the country.
Referring to the violence in Ukhrul district, the MP said those involved in armed attacks and acts of unrest must be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He maintained that the crisis cannot be resolved solely through community-level engagement and requires firm legal intervention by the state.
Angomcha Bimol Akoijam further observed that failure of the state government to restore order could invite intervention by the Centre. However, he warned that any de facto central control over the state would erode the constitutional authority of the state government. Law and order, he said, falls within the domain of the state police, and excessive dependence on central forces would weaken the federal structure.
He called for dialogue with those committed to peace while urging strong action against forces seeking to prolong the conflict.