IMPHAL, Jan 19: The Congress on Sunday accused the BJP-led Centre of “irresponsibly” handling Manipur over the past five years, alleging that its approach has adversely affected the state’s economy and security situation.
AICC in-charge of Manipur Christopher Tilak, who arrived in the violence-hit state to participate in the party’s ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign, said the prolonged crisis reflected administrative failure. “What has happened in Manipur is very unfortunate. For the last five years, the Centre has handled the state irresponsibly. The economy is in a big disaster and now security, including border security, is also a major concern,” Tilak told reporters at the Imphal airport.
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence between the valley-based Meiteis and hill-based Kuki communities since May 2023, in which at least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless. The state, which shares a border with Myanmar, has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 following the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Alleging that the Centre lacks seriousness in resolving the crisis, Tilak said that underground groups were able to enforce a bandh in the state even during President’s Rule. He said such incidents raised questions about governance and law and order.
The Congress leader said he would spend a week in Manipur, travelling across both hill and valley areas to lead the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign. The nationwide agitation, announced by the party on January 3, is being held from January 10 to February 25 to demand withdrawal of the VB G-RAM-G Act, restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based law, and strengthening of the authority of panchayats.
Tilak said the UPA government had introduced MGNREGA in 2005 to empower the poor, particularly women, and accused the current government of diluting the scheme through changes in its structure and nomenclature.
