By focusing on pilgrimage rights while ignoring the cries of those dying from lack of medicine and justice, MP Bimol Akoijam risks betraying the very ideals of democratic representation.
BY PC Bureau
On April 19, Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Bimol Akoijam held a widely publicized press conference, where he criticized the all-round failure of President’s Rule in Manipur. He also strongly advocated for allowing Meiteis to undertake pilgrimages to the sacred sites of Thangjing and Koubru hills, located in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts—territories currently under the control of Kuki-Zo groups. This demand resonated with the sentiments of his constituency, and it is understandable that a people’s representative would reflect the anguish of those he represents.
However, one might argue that his response came far too late. A timely intervention—perhaps by reaching out to the Governor or engaging with reasonable voices within the Kuki-Zo community—might have opened a door to resolving the blockade of these sacred sites. Yet, at the height of the conflict, Mr. Akoijam was conspicuously absent.
Kuki-Zo civil society organizations, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC), have barred Meitei access to these hills, citing unresolved political demands and territorial claims. “This is not a communal issue but a fundamental one,” Mr. Akoijam told reporters. “It’s about the fundamental rights of citizens and a matter of governance.”
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But this selective focus on pilgrimage raises uncomfortable questions. Has Mr. Akoijam ever spoken about the suffering of tribal populations in the hills—trapped behind buffer zones, unable to access the valley for hospital treatment, air travel, or even basic necessities? Does he know how many have died due to untreated injuries, preventable diseases, or the lack of access to cancer treatment? In such a context, is pilgrimage truly the most urgent concern?
This conflict cannot be reduced to a single narrative, nor can the blame be assigned to one side alone. The state of Manipur extends far beyond the four districts that elected Mr. Akoijam. A true representative must speak for the whole state—not just for one community or interest.
Mr. Akoijam also echoed the demand—voiced by Meitei civil society groups like COCOMI and militant outfits such as Arambai Tenggol—to revoke the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, the state, and Kuki insurgent groups. He questioned whether the agreement, signed in 2008, has served its purpose. Under SoO, insurgents reside in designated camps, surrender arms, and receive stipends for rehabilitation—an arrangement reviewed annually by a joint monitoring group.
Speaking to the media, he said: “Has this agreement been naturalized and become the reason for conflicts? I raised this question in Parliament… Cement that costs Rs 300 in Dimapur costs over Rs 1,000 in Imphal due to illegal taxation.”
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While highway extortion is indeed a serious concern, Mr. Akoijam’s outrage appears one-sided. Are only SoO groups responsible for extortion? What about the armed outfits operating from within Imphal itself—within his own constituency? Why the silence on the criminal and extortion activities of Arambai Tenggol, UNLF, PLA, PREPAK, KCP, and KYKL?
If Mr. Akoijam is truly concerned about lawlessness, why hasn’t he spoken out about the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) failure to act against Arambai Tenggol? Has he questioned the propriety of Governor A.K. Bhalla’s meeting with leaders of an armed group seen patrolling forests with sophisticated weapons? Did he speak out when the UNLF allegedly abducted veteran journalist Yambem Laba in November?
Worst of all is his silence on the need for justice following the horrific violence of May 3, 2023. Why hasn’t he called for accountability for the perpetrators of rape, murder, arson, looting, and terror? Why hasn’t he demanded answers about the ransacking of police stations and armories? Why does he remain quiet when BJP Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Sanajaoba Leishemba threatens that “his boys” in Arambai Tenggol will take up arms again if needed?
Mr. Akoijam must also explain his silence on the continued looting and occupation of tribal homes in Imphal—even around Republic Day this year—often in the presence of state forces. While it is true that Meiteis have also suffered displacement and violence, what prevents him from healing wounds on both sides? Why not rise above identity politics and act as a bridge-builder?
Even BJP Kuki MLAs are questioning his one-sided narrative. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), BJP MLA from Churachandpur Dr. Paolienlal Haokip stated:
“Peace and progress require justice, not majoritarian assertion. @Bimol_Akoijam @narendramodi”
Peace and progress requires justice, not majoritarian assertion. @Bimol_Akoijam @narendramodi
— Paolienlal Haokip (@paolienlal) April 21, 2025
Political compulsions may partly explain why Mr. Akoijam echoes the sentiments of powerful voices—both civilian and armed—within the Meitei community. But in the larger interest of peace, he must also speak for the genuine grievances of the other side. It is astonishing that he has yet to publicly acknowledge, let alone respond to, the demands raised by the Kuki-Zo community. How can he expect them to heed his appeals for peace or lift the blockade if he has done nothing to earn their trust?
Mr. Akoijam also represents the Indian National Congress—a party that holds both the Inner and Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seats, the latter reserved for Scheduled Tribes. His one-sided stance has not gone down well even within his own party. While most Delhi leaders have remained silent due to the sensitive situation, voices from within Manipur are openly questioning his position.
Congress leader Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip posted:
“Dear Hon’ble MP @Bimol_Akoijam, I appreciate your concern in referring to places of worship as constitutional and fundamental issues. I am sure you recognize that all places of worship hold the same sacredness. A humble reminder: there were no such religious conflicts or intolerance based on belief systems before @BJP4India came to power in the state in 2017.”
Mr. Akoijam is right
Dear Hon’ble MP @Bimol_Akoijam, I appreciate your concern and referring places of worship as constitutional and fundamental issues. I am pretty sure that you are well aware that all religious or worship places hold the same values and sacredness.
A humble reminder: kindly… pic.twitter.com/Rhu3e9okbL
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) April 20, 2025
when he says peace in Manipur is impossible while restrictions on movement persist. But he must also accept this: peace is not possible without justice. Unless those who raped and murdered are punished—regardless of who they are. Unless extortionists and armed groups in both valley and hills are brought to account. Unless tribal communities feel seen, heard, and included.
In a state where over 600,000 people remain displaced, where access to healthcare and education has collapsed, where traveling to a hospital means risking your life—how can a pilgrimage be the priority?
In such a context, Mr. Akoijam’s selective outrage is not just inadequate. It is a betrayal of the mandate he holds.
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