The Indian National Congress has strongly criticised the Union government over the continuing violence in Manipur, raising concerns about the situation on the ground and calling for immediate steps to restore peace and normal life.Addressing a press conference, Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam said the situation in the state has not improved despite the passage of time. He said life remains uncertain for many people and normalcy has not returned. He added that the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.The party has placed several demands before the Centre. These include completing investigations into recent killings, taking strict action against those involved in violence, and restoring law and order in the state. The Congress also asked for safe access for people to return to their homes and resume daily life without fear. It further demanded that the findings of the inquiry into the violence that began on May 3, 2023, be made public and that victims be given proper compensation.
Akoijam said there is a need for a clear and structured dialogue involving all groups to find a long-term solution. He also called for an economic relief package to support people affected by the violence. In addition, the party suggested that the census exercise be postponed until there is a proper legal process to clearly identify citizens and non-citizens.Speaking about the current situation, Akoijam said, “Things are not normal. What is happening in the state is the responsibility of the government, but there has been a lack of responsible action.” He stressed that both the Centre and the state government must act firmly to control the situation and prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their own hands.The MP also made serious allegations against the Centre, saying that Manipur has been facing violence for nearly three years without adequate attention. He said the Prime Minister has not visited the state during this period, even briefly, to review the situation on the ground. He described this as a sign of a “careless attitude” towards the suffering of the people.
Referring to a recent incident on April 7 in Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district, Akoijam said two children were killed and their mother was injured in an explosion reportedly caused by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). He said the blast occurred inside their home and described it as a tragic reminder of the continuing violence in the state. According to him, such incidents show that it would not be correct to say that the situation has improved.Akoijam also criticised what he described as the silence of the central leadership, stating that neither the Prime Minister nor the Union Home Minister has made any statement on recent incidents. He alleged that instead of addressing the crisis, attention is being given to other political matters.He further raised concerns over the creation of so-called buffer zones, claiming that these have been set up without proper legal backing. He also said that he was stopped by security forces from visiting parts of his own constituency, which he described as unconstitutional. The Congress leader also questioned the response time of security forces in the April 7 incident, calling it slow and inadequate. He said such delays point to serious administrative lapses.
