Imphal: Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam has urged the nation to focus on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, emphasizing that it is a “national issue” and not merely a “local” concern.
In a tweet on December 12, Akoijam praised Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, for highlighting the dire situation in Parliament, stating, “Glad to hear such voices to make the deaf Government of India hear the plight of the people of Manipur!”
During Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on December 11, Gaurav Gogoi described the crisis in Manipur as a “grave humanitarian issue” and criticized the government for diverting attention to unrelated topics, such as George Soros, instead of addressing the escalating violence in the state. Gogoi alleged, “This government, in order to hide its failure in Manipur, is using George Soros as a shield,” triggering sharp reactions from the ruling party.
The Congress leader painted a grim picture of the situation, highlighting rampant extortion, a shattered economy, and the collapse of public services. He raised concerns about the rise in the illegal trade of arms, drugs, and timber, underscoring the detrimental impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Gogoi also pointed to the disruption in essential services such as education and healthcare. He noted that schools and colleges in Manipur remain shut, putting thousands of students at risk of losing an academic year. “Healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Fear and uncertainty have gripped the population,” he added.
In a direct appeal to the ruling BJP, Gogoi demanded accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He questioned when the Prime Minister would visit Manipur and when the Home Minister would address Parliament to outline concrete steps to resolve the crisis.
The escalating violence and instability in Manipur have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, further intensifying debates on the government’s handling of the situation.
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