Northeast Desk, 7th August: Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has called on the Indian government to take decisive action against communal and divisive forces responsible for the ongoing turmoil in Manipur. Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Akoijam emphasized that these disruptive elements, including foreign powers and illegal immigrants, have significantly hindered peace efforts in the state, which has been grappling with a crisis for the past 14 months.
Akoijam highlighted recent peace efforts in Jiribam district, where an agreement between two communities mediated by security forces was undermined by sectarian forces. He stressed that the Indian government has a historical, political, moral, and legal obligation to protect Manipur, referencing the instrument of accession signed by the state’s Maharaja on August 11, 1947, which entrusted the defense of the state to the Indian government.
The MP also called for measures to clearly distinguish between citizens and non-citizens and urged the government to uphold Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, assembly, and movement. He criticized the restrictions imposed on citizens based on community affiliation and emphasized the need for freedom of movement within the state.
Furthermore, Akoijam appealed to the government to ensure the protection of properties belonging to displaced individuals. He condemned the destruction of villages and the resulting displacement, urging the government to act swiftly to safeguard the properties of those affected. “Once a village is destroyed, it cannot be rebuilt,” he warned, stressing the urgency of protecting displaced people’s properties to restore peace and stability in Manipur.
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