Manipur remains in the grip of a severe crisis as violence continues to escalate, drawing sharp criticism of the state and central governments. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has accused the BJP-led administration of failing to maintain constitutional order, while Congress and other MLAs threaten mass resignations if immediate action is not taken.
By PC Bureau
Imphal
Amid escalating violence in Manipur, former Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday declared that the constitutional machinery in the state has completely collapsed. The Congress, along with MLAs from both ruling and opposition parties, has warned of mass resignations if Prime Minister Narendra Modi fails to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Ibobi condemned the worsening law and order situation under the BJP-led “double-engine” government. He criticized the lack of government response following the recent killings of infants and women, which have drawn widespread condemnation. “We urge the state government, particularly CM Biren Singh, to secure an urgent meeting with the PM. Once the PM returns from his foreign trip, we hope to present our case directly,” the 76-year-old leader said.
Ibobi also expressed frustration over the inability of the Manipur Chief Minister to arrange a meeting between state legislators and the Prime Minister since the violence began last year. “If the government continues to ignore our pleas, what is the point of remaining members of the assembly? If necessary, we are ready to resign, along with ruling MLAs, at any moment,” he warned.
Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam (Congress) joined the call for action, criticizing the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of the state. He described the move as indicative of the government’s lack of political will to address the crisis. “AFSPA is a stain on Indian democracy. Reimposing it reflects an absence of resolve, as seen before in tragedies like the Oting massacre in Nagaland,” Akoijam said.
Ibobi, however, dismissed the idea of imposing President’s Rule in Manipur, stating that it is not a solution acceptable to the people. “Whether CM Biren Singh resigns or is replaced is a matter for the BJP, but we must focus on ending the violence and restoring peace,” he added.
The violence in Manipur, which has now drawn international attention due to reports of hostage-taking and the killing of infants, underscores the urgent need for decisive action from both the state and central governments.
