IMPHAL, April 21: Manipur Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, has sharply criticized the Centre for imposing President’s rule in the violence-hit northeastern state, alleging a lack of political will and a failure of governance. He said these failures have resulted in grave suffering, particularly for the internally displaced persons impacted by the ongoing ethnic conflict.
Addressing media persons in Imphal on Sunday, Akoijam voiced deep concern over what he described as the compromising of basic constitutional rights in Manipur. He said the situation is particularly dire for communities caught in the prolonged ethnic strife that erupted on May 3, 2023.
The Congress MP accused the central government of failing to deliver on its commitment to ensure free movement across the state—a promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 8, 2025. Calling the move a “flop show,” Akoijam pointed out that the Meitei community was still unable to undertake the annual pilgrimage to the Thangjing and Koubrou hills due to threats from the Kuki-Zo community and the persistent communal tensions.
He asserted that true peace in Manipur can only be restored when displaced people are allowed to return to and resettle in their original homes. “The Centre can restore peace in the state only when the authorities allow the displaced persons to resettle in their original homes,” he said.
Akoijam further urged the central leadership to demonstrate political wisdom and act swiftly to ensure peaceful co-existence among all communities in the state. He emphasized that President’s rule—imposed since February 13, 2025—must not be used merely as a mechanism of control, but as an opportunity to tackle the underlying causes of the crisis.
“The central authorities must not push the ongoing issue under the carpet, especially when it comes at the expense of innocent lives and democratic rights in the state,” Akoijam warned.
He concluded by reiterating his call for a more humane and constitutionally sound approach to resolving the crisis, urging the government to uphold its responsibilities to the people of Manipur.
