Imphal: On Monday, Manipur’s Inner Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, criticized the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, accusing it of being a ‘silent spectator’ to the tragedies in Manipur over the past year.
“A civil-war-like situation has emerged, with people armed to the teeth, defending their villages,” Dr. Bimol stated. “Every inch of Manipur is occupied by Central armed forces. It’s one of the most militarized areas in the country, with more armed police than civil police, besides the Union’s armed forces. Despite this, over 60,000 people are homeless and thousands of villages are destroyed. Yet, our Prime Minister has remained silent, not even mentioning it in the presidential address.”
Participating in the debate on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ for the President’s address last week, Dr. Bimol highlighted the historical neglect of the northeast region. “India was viewed as an anthropological subject, not a historical one, by colonial forces. Today, the northeast remains outside Indian history textbooks. This neglect is a reflection of the colonial mentality continuing into the post-colonial era.”
Dr. Bimol urged his colleagues to empathize with the affected. “If you hear the pain and anxiety in my voice, think of those mothers and widows. Only then will we understand the magnitude of this tragedy. I will remain quiet once the Prime Minister addresses this issue.”
He reminded the Parliament of the contributions of Manipur’s citizens, citing Major Laishram Jotin Singh, who died fighting a suicide bomber, and Major Ngangom Joydutta, who died in Sri Lanka in 1987. He also mentioned the achievements of athletes like Mary Kom, Sarita, Kunjarani, and Mirabai Chanu, as well as cultural icons like Ratan Thiyam and Aribam Shyam Sharma. “Unfortunately, this government has forgotten and dishonored them as if they are not citizens of this country.”
Dr. Bimol emphasized the need for recognition. “If there was any concern for this state, there would not have been silence in this house nor in the presidential address. If you doubt the nationality and nationalism of the people of this state, remember that they have fought for and brought laurels to this country.”
He concluded by addressing the continuity of colonial attitudes. “This silence is a reminder of the continuity between colonial and post-colonial periods. Today, we observe the introduction of new criminal laws, seemingly discarding colonial heritage. However, as Ashis Nandy says, colonialism is a state of mind, a psychological phenomenon, an outlook. This neglect of a state’s tragedy shows this continuity.”
