Imphal, August 13: Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra has accused both the Centre and the state government of failing to present a clear plan for restoring peace in the violence-affected state, while criticising the Union budget for neglecting the needs of displaced and affected residents.
Speaking to reporters during the 134th Patriots’ Day celebrations at Congress Bhavan, Meghachandra said the budget contained no significant special package to rebuild homes destroyed during the unrest or to aid internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom remain in relief camps. “The budget for development and security should be larger, especially during President’s Rule, but that has not been the case,” he remarked.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the recent GST amendment, arguing that Manipur’s economic realities could not be compared to larger, better-connected states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The Wangkhem MLA said the state was still waiting for a concrete peace roadmap from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He noted that former chief secretary PK Singh had announced a three-phase resettlement plan for IDPs to be completed by December, but claimed there had been little visible progress.
“As a citizen and as a politician, we are not satisfied, as we have no rights and the constitutional laws are not fully implemented in the state. PM Modi is yet to visit the state and enquire about our hardships. Shah is doing whatever he wants,” Meghachandra alleged.
