IMPHAL/UKHRUL: A two-member national delegation of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) on Wednesday said it would submit a detailed report on the prevailing situation in Manipur to the party’s central leadership after holding consultations with local leaders and assessing the ground realities during its visit to the state.
The delegation also expressed concern over the prolonged closure of national highways, saying the issue has severely affected the daily lives of people, and assured that it would be taken up with the Central Government.
The remarks were made by Md Afaque Ahmad Khan, Bihar MLC and National general secretary of JD(U) during a press conference held at Hotel Imphal by the Classic (Sangai Hall). The briefing was attended by JD(U) Manipur State president Ksh Biren Singh, National returning officer and former Rajya Sabha MP Aneel Prasad Hegde, and other senior state leaders.
Addressing the media, Khan said the delegation had spent the last two days meeting party leaders and workers from different parts of the state to understand the challenges facing Manipur, which has remained affected by the ongoing crisis for over three years.
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“This is not our first visit. We have come to Manipur four times during this period. Earlier, we were also part of a parliamentary delegation that visited the state to assess the situation,” Khan said, adding that the party has consistently monitored developments in Manipur.
He further said the delegation had interacted with various stakeholders and reviewed both the political and humanitarian situation before preparing its findings.
“We have gathered inputs from different quarters. A comprehensive report will now be submitted to our central leadership, which will decide the next course of action,” he said.
With the Assembly elections expected within the next few months, Khan clarified that the visit was not election-driven but aimed at understanding the prevailing situation on the ground.
Responding to questions on the prolonged disruption of traffic along the national highways, Khan acknowledged the hardships faced by the people.
“The highway blockade is a serious issue. It has affected the movement of people, essential supplies and normal life. We will place this matter before the Central Government and urge that it be addressed,” he said.
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Khan also said that JD(U), despite being a constituent of the NDA, would continue to raise issues affecting the people of Manipur through appropriate forums.
He said the party’s immediate priority was to ensure that the concerns and realities emerging from Manipur are conveyed to the national leadership so that appropriate interventions can be considered.
