Imphal: Union Minister Amit Shah claimed that the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha election is between forces trying to break Manipur and those keeping it united.
“The Congress has an agenda to divide Manipur. But I want to make it clear, no one dare divide Manipur,” the senior BJP leader, who arrived at the state capital from Tripura as a part of his election campaign trail, said here on Monday.
Speaking at a mammoth gathering at Hapta Kangjeibung, Shah said this election was to make Narendra Modi the prime minister for the third time. This election is not between the Congress and the BJP but between forces who talk about breaking Manipur and who want to keep Manipur united.
Alleging that the grand old party wants to divide the country into North and South, Shah said that the Congress says what will happen by going to small states but these small states are the soul of the country. Congress never honoured Manipur and kept the state under blockade for thousands of days. Not Just bandhs, fake encounters were also conducted by the Ibobi Singh government.
The Union Minister said that Modi’s priority is to restore peace in Manipur, while keeping its integrity intact, by holding talks with all sections of the society.
“Manipur will witness peace in the days to come. Over the past six years, Manipur has been peaceful. I assure you that the BJP will hold talks with those who have ignited the conflict and those who have been affected by it, and restore peace with the state’s integrity intact,” he declared.
Interestingly, ahead of Shah’s arrival, women protesters blocked roads in different parts of the city including Khurai Lamlong and New Checkon in Imphal East and Kakwa in Imphal West district.
“I want to tell this today that our CM Biren Singh may not say this, but he kept a big demand before PM Modi – Manipur cannot remain united without the inner-line permit. The BJP government has strengthened Manipur by giving an inner-line permit system,” Shah added.
Thounaojam Basantakumar Singh, who is currently holding incharge of Education and Law is the sole BJP candidate from the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency. With agency inputs
