Imphal: The Manipur Congress on Wednesday strongly refuted allegations leveled by the BJP against Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, dismissing claims that he accused the state of supporting armed groups.
Addressing the controversy, State Congress working president Kh. Devabrata stated that Akoijam’s remarks had been misrepresented and had no connection to village volunteers, as suggested by BJP leaders K. Sharat and M. Suresh. He further clarified that Akoijam never mentioned militants in the valley, contradicting BJP’s accusations.
Reaffirming the Congress’s position, Devabrata cited a recent Assembly speech by deputy CLP leader K. Ranjit Singh, who advocated for legal protections for village volunteers. Singh emphasized the need for a law granting amnesty to these volunteers, ensuring they are not subjected to unwarranted arrests.
Amidst the ongoing political exchange, a group of women from a relief camp visited Akoijam’s residence in Imphal West district, seeking clarification on his statements. One of the visitors, L. Thasana, expressed frustration over the politicization of the village volunteers’ issue by both the BJP and Congress, urging leaders to focus on broader concerns affecting the state.
The controversy erupted after BJP spokesperson M. Suresh accused Akoijam of being “an enemy of the village volunteers” and claimed that his remarks could lead to the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. Suresh further questioned Akoijam’s silence on the killings of three women and children in Jiribam last November, implying that he should be held accountable if AFSPA is reinstated.
As the political blame game intensifies, the debate over the role of village volunteers and the larger security concerns in Manipur continues to fuel tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
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