Imphal, Sept 22: Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has strongly criticized the central government for its handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, accusing it of allowing the state to become a “banana republic” akin to Afghanistan. In an interview with PTI, Akoijam questioned why the government had failed to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control despite deploying 60,000 troops in the region.
Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency, argued that such a prolonged crisis would not have been tolerated in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, or Madhya Pradesh. He expressed concern over the unprecedented violence in Manipur, likening it to a civil war with the use of sophisticated weapons and military tactics.
He highlighted the deteriorating situation in Manipur and compared it to Afghanistan, where warlords operate freely, and the central government is unable to maintain authority. Akoijam suggested that the key question is why the central government is allowing Manipur to turn into a “banana republic” rather than whether the state is on the path to becoming like Afghanistan.
The Congress MP also criticized Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, acknowledging that while Singh might not be the main player, he cannot be absolved of responsibility. Akoijam suggested there is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the state, accusing certain elements of scripting the dismemberment of Manipur.
The ethnic violence in Manipur, which erupted in May 2022 after a tribal solidarity march opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, has led to over 220 deaths, including civilians and security personnel. Some Kuki groups have since called for the creation of a Union Territory similar to Puducherry, but Chief Minister Singh has strongly rejected these demands.
Akoijam also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticizing his statement that the situation in Manipur had been largely peaceful except for three days of violence. He argued that such statements only add to the confusion rather than providing clarity about the situation on the ground. The Congress MP further pointed out the loss of trust in security forces and state institutions, which has eroded confidence in the government’s ability to restore order.
On the issue of restoring peace, Akoijam expressed skepticism, noting that the complexity of the conflict makes it difficult to predict when normalcy could be restored. He drew attention to the displacement of entire communities, contrasting it with the situation of Kashmiri Pandits, some of whom still remain in their homeland, whereas certain communities in Manipur have been completely displaced.
With tensions still high, Akoijam urged the central government to take decisive action and address the internal divisions within the state government to prevent further deterioration of the situation. His comments reflect the growing demands for a stronger response from the Centre as concerns about the future of peace and stability in Manipur continue to escalate.
