Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh has announced that the Manipur Congress will move the Supreme Court against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, alleging that the legislation is unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Muslims and other minority communities.
Speaking to the media, the three-time chief minister asserted that the Act represents a serious attack on the secular fabric of the country by the ruling NDA government.
“We are totally opposed to this Act. India is a secular nation but the present NDA government is attacking Muslims and other minorities. The Waqf (Amendment) Act is a gross violation of the Constitution and it will not be accepted,” Singh stated, adding that a legal team from the state Congress unit is preparing to file the petition in the apex court by Wednesday.
Singh also expressed concern over the ongoing imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. He questioned why the BJP, which has adequate legislative support, has failed to form the government. “We are not in favour of President’s rule in Manipur. A democratic government is represented by the legislators. Imposing President’s rule shows they could not rule the state and are not capable of upholding law and order,” he said.
In a separate appeal aimed at fostering communal harmony, Singh urged the Kuki community to reconsider its opposition to the annual pilgrimage of Meitei devotees to the sacred Thangjing hills in Churachandpur district. “Whether Kuki, Naga, Muslim or Meitei, we have been living together in Manipur since time immemorial. We are all Manipuris. Indigenous communities must co-exist in peace and unity,” he said.
His remarks follow growing resistance from at least six Kuki organisations, which have voiced their opposition to the Meitei pilgrimage, citing ongoing ethnic tensions. Singh’s statement aims to bridge divides and promote dialogue among Manipur’s indigenous communities amidst a volatile socio-political climate.
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