New Call for Government Accountability
Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam Criticizes Centre’s Silence on State Crisis in President’s Address
In a pointed speech during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Bimol Akoijam raised his concerns about the government’s silence on the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The President’s Address, delivered by the President of India, failed to mention the ethnic violence that has been plaguing the state since May 2023, leaving Manipur’s people feeling neglected and unheard.
Bimol Akoijam Slams BJP Government for Ignoring Manipur Crisis in National Speech
Akoijam, representing Inner Manipur, expressed his frustration at the omission of any reference to the Manipur conflict in the speech, which was intended to outline the government’s priorities for the year. He voiced his disappointment, noting that while many other national issues were discussed, the ethnic violence in his home state was conspicuously left out.
“I expected the President’s Address to include a mention of Manipur, especially given the gravity of the crisis we are facing. However, the government’s silence reflects a deliberate effort to make the crisis invisible,” Akoijam remarked. He further criticized the BJP-led government for refusing to acknowledge the ongoing suffering in Manipur, especially at a time when the conflict continues to claim lives and cause widespread displacement.
Congress MP Accuses Centre of Concealing the Ongoing Ethnic Violence in Manipur
Akoijam accused the BJP of trying to suppress the visibility of Manipur’s crisis both in the national and global discourse. He drew a comparison between the current situation and the historical events surrounding the merger of Manipur with India in 1949, calling it a humiliation that still echoes in the memories of the people.
According to the MP, the Centre’s neglect of the crisis is indicative of a broader political agenda that disregards the inclusivity of India’s diverse communities. “This government does not believe in inclusive politics, and their failure to address the violence reflects this lack of commitment to all communities in Manipur,” Akoijam said.
Manipur’s Suffering Unacknowledged: A Call for Immediate Action and Accountability
The ethnic violence in Manipur has been a major source of tension between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, resulting in several casualties and the displacement of thousands. While the violence continues to devastate the state, the Centre has yet to take any significant action to resolve the conflict or provide support to those affected.
Akoijam emphasized the need for the government to immediately address the situation and engage in a meaningful dialogue with all affected communities. “The people of Manipur are suffering, and they deserve to have their voices heard. It is high time the government takes concrete steps to restore peace and ensure justice for the victims of this violence,” he said.
The MP concluded his speech by urging the Centre to prioritize Manipur’s crisis and ensure that it does not remain invisible to the nation or the world. As the situation in the state remains unresolved, Akoijam’s call for action serves as a reminder that the people of Manipur are still waiting for the government’s intervention and support.
