Ukhrul: Congress Legislative Party (CLP) Leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has accused the BJP-led government of failing to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur, instead deflecting blame onto the previous Congress administration. Briefing the media at Congress Bhawan in Imphal on Friday, Ibobi urged the ruling government to prioritise resolving current issues rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
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Ibobi criticised the “double-engine” BJP government for its lack of significant progress, particularly in tackling the unrest. He noted that while the BJP accuses Congress of historical failures, they have not taken steps to rectify them. Citing the Indo-Myanmar border fencing project, the Congress leader clarified that it was initiated under the Congress government in the early 2000s, with funding approved during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure in 2010-11. He accused Chief Minister N. Biren of misleading the public by making contradictory statements on illegal immigration, referencing a 2018 India Today Conclave exclusive interview in which Biren claimed no such issues existed.
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Ibobi also questioned the BJP’s handling of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, signed during the Congress regime. He challenged the BJP to explain why they have not revoked the agreement if it is deemed problematic.
Joining the press meet, Congress Working Committee (CWC) Member Gaikhangam criticised the state government for its lack of understanding and coordination in dealing with the crisis. He attributed the spread of unrest to disintegration within the government, from the Chief Minister to MLAs.
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Gaikhangam further questioned the effectiveness of peace initiatives, particularly the Peace Committee formed earlier in the conflict. He pointed out inconsistencies in the state government’s narrative, which has shifted from blaming illegal immigration and poppy cultivation to accusing narco-terrorists.
The Congress leader also criticised the lack of decisive action from the central government, despite over one lakh Central troops being stationed in Manipur. He urged the Prime Minister to address the situation effectively, stating that the crisis could have been mitigated with timely intervention. Gaikhangam stressed that those behind the violence must be held accountable and the government must act decisively to restore peace in the state.
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