IMPHAL, March 10: Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament from Manipur, strongly criticized the BJP-led Central government on Sunday, urging its leadership to halt the ongoing balkanization of the Northeast along ethnic lines.

Speaking at a function in Imphal on sunday, Dr. Bimol warned that India must learn from history, recalling how divisive policies based on communal and ethnic identities led to the partition of India at the time of independence.

Dr. Bimol referred to the 1956 State Reorganisation Commission report, which recommended against implementing a “one state, one language” policy. He emphasized that India is a union of diverse linguistic, religious, and racial identities formed for administrative convenience. He questioned why, despite this principle, the Northeast should be subjected to separatist politics based on ethnic exclusivity. He warned that creating separate administrations or Union Territories on such grounds would open a Pandora’s box, leading to further instability.

The Congress leader emphasized that India’s stability hinges on upholding its core values of unity and secularism. He highlighted the importance of opposing communalism and resisting the creation of states based on religious or ethnic identities. Dr. Bimol stressed that protecting Manipur is not about seeking special favors, but about adhering to these fundamental principles of unity and harmony.

Dr. Bimol also defended the Meitei community’s call for peaceful coexistence, clarifying that it is not a sign of weakness but an appeal for unity among all communities. He lamented that persistent ethnic divisions have prevented the region from establishing a common ground for collective security.

“The Northeast needs leadership that unites people for the greater good,” Dr. Bimol said, rejecting claims that the Meitei advocacy is about dominance or self-interest. He urged leaders in the hill regions to understand the significance of this unity for the overall well-being of the region.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Bimol called on the people of Manipur to reject divisive and ethnic-based politics and to work together to safeguard the state’s integrity and harmony.