Imphal, September 16: Veteran politician O. Joy has launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning whether the ruling party is attempting to divide Manipur amid the ongoing Meitei–Kuki conflict.
Speaking to reporters at the Congress Bhavan on Monday, Joy said Modi’s recent visit to the state — his first in over two years since violence erupted — was not aimed at resolving the unrest but at “repairing the BJP’s crashed double-engine government.” He likened the Prime Minister’s role to that of a “mason” rather than a leader addressing a crisis.
Joy criticized the BJP for failing to act against the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including ministers, who reiterated their demand for a separate Union Territory during Modi’s visit to Churachandpur. He said the rest of the BJP MLAs did little beyond welcoming the Prime Minister at Kangla, while Modi himself “did not utter a word” about resolving the conflict.
Accusing the BJP-led government of failing to uphold rights and governance, Joy cited the imposition of President’s Rule, attacks on press freedom, and the weakening of the judiciary, with the Manipur High Court operating with fewer than five judges. He also recalled the recent Gwaltabi incident, where journalists were forced to remove the word “Manipur” from their bus.
“People were hoping his visit would bring a solution. Instead, it has left them more disillusioned,” Joy remarked.
