Imphal: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday strongly condemned President Droupadi Murmu’s omission of the Manipur crisis in her speech at the joint session of Parliament on Friday.
“What’s happening in Manipur is the most serious crisis the country is facing today. Both central and state governments have been claiming that the current crisis in Manipur was created by narco-terrorists and a large influx of illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country. Yet, the president fails to mention a word on the crisis,” said Khumanthem Devabrata Singh, working president of the MPCC, at a press conference held at the Congress Bhavan.
He asserted that, according to the Constitution, the President’s address should inform the members of the House about the session and outline government programs and initiatives. However, the President’s speech not only ignored the crisis but also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s earlier refusal to visit the state and address the issue.
Debrata also rejected government claims that all disputes in the northeastern region have been resolved over the past decade. “How could the president say that every dispute has been resolved when the Manipur problem remains unresolved?” he argued.
Citing statements from Konsam Himalaya, a retired Lt. General and native of Manipur, who described the current crisis as a national concern, Debrata emphasized, “If the president doesn’t address this issue, who else will?”
When asked why no Congress leader from Imphal, including Outer MP Alfred Arthur, has visited Jiribam since the crisis began three weeks ago, Debrata responded that the Congress team in Jiribam has been working wholeheartedly for the displaced people. He added that once the Parliament session is over, the entire Congress team is ready to go there.
