IMPHAL, Nov 28: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President K. Meghachandra on Thursday strongly criticized the government’s handling of the ongoing violence in Manipur, which has now persisted for 19 months.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan, Meghachandra expressed his frustration with the government’s failure to resolve the crisis, questioning its commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state. He demanded answers on when the violence, which has plagued the region for over a year and a half, would come to an end.

Meghachandra highlighted that political parties, including Congress, have repeatedly urged the government to convene meetings in the state assembly, in parliament, and through public forums to address the ongoing violence. However, he said these pleas have gone unheard. As a result, the Congress party has decided to stage protests in New Delhi, with some members already on their way to the capital.

The MPCC president also condemned the government for its failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of Manipur’s citizens, particularly the student community. He criticized the prolonged closure of schools and colleges, which he compared to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meghachandra called for the immediate reopening of educational institutions and the restoration of internet services, arguing that there was no justification for keeping schools closed when the state had a functioning government and adequate security forces in place.

In addition to the education-related concerns, Meghachandra lashed out at the government for its failure to resolve the ongoing blockades on national highways, which have driven up the prices of essential commodities. He accused both the government and various organizations imposing the blockades of causing severe distress to the people of Manipur.

Meghachandra also called for the government to lift the curfews, reopen schools, and invite the Prime Minister to Manipur to address the crisis directly. “We have many times asked for a meeting of political parties and urged the PM to visit the state. The situation in Manipur has worsened because the voice of the people has not been heard by the government,” he claimed. He criticized the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and curfews, highlighting the government’s inaction in addressing human rights violations, leaving citizens feeling unsafe and hopeless.

State CPI(M) leader Ksh. Shanta also voiced his strong condemnation, particularly over the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu, who was last seen entering an army camp at Leimakhong. He accused the government of turning a blind eye to the tragic situation in the state and reiterated that the INDIA Bloc would stage protests in New Delhi to demand accountability. Shanta emphasized that the party’s MPs would raise the Manipur issue inside parliament, pressing for the government to take immediate action.

Both Meghachandra and Shanta emphasized the urgency of restoring normalcy in Manipur, urging the government to take immediate steps to protect human rights and ensure the safety and security of the state’s citizens.