Manipur: Former Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, voiced dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, suggesting either a lack of determination or a hidden agenda as potential reasons for the prolonged conflict. He made these remarks during a reception programme at Congress Bhawan, where nine new leaders were inducted into the Indian National Congress (INC).
Among the newly inducted INC members were L. Jayantakumar Singh, a former MLA and ex-NPP candidate from Keisthathong AC, and O. Romen Singh, a former NPP candidate from Singjamei A/C. Others included A. Okendra Singh, Ex-Z.P. Member from Khurai A/C; L. Dhiren @ Bobo Singh, a social worker from Andro A/C; and Th. John Singh, a retired government employee and former president of JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO. Several former councilors and local representatives from Singjamei A/C were also part of the group joining Congress.
Ibobi Singh expressed that the crisis in Manipur is solvable, emphasizing that every issue has a solution, provided the central government steps in with the necessary willpower and determination. He highlighted the central government’s crucial role in resolving the conflict and criticized its lack of action.
The former chief minister recalled a previous all-party meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah at the height of the crisis, during which he had recommended disarming both the Meitei and Kuki communities as a first step toward peace, followed by political dialogue. However, he lamented that no concrete action has been taken on this front.
“It is unfortunate that a nation with the fourth largest military in the world cannot bring an end to the Manipur conflict,” Ibobi Singh remarked, highlighting the ineffectiveness of the current approach.
Additionally, he stressed that the central government must reject any demands for a separate administration from any community in Manipur, citing the state’s territorial integrity and historical unity.
Addressing the new INC members, Ibobi Singh expressed optimism about more leaders joining Congress in the future. The event was attended by several prominent Congress leaders, MLAs, and executive members, signaling a strengthening of the party’s presence in the state.
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