Imphal: Manipur’s Inner MP, Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, has expressed doubts about the sincerity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech on the Manipur violence.
The Parliamentarian stated that while he welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement after 14 months of violence, Modi’s remarks seemed to normalize the state’s abnormal environment for the international audience.
Dr. Akoijam pointed out that normal activities like children attending school and employees going to work do not signify that everything is normal in Manipur. He highlighted ongoing issues such as the inability to cross Kangpokpi, medical students being unable to attend classes at Churachandpur Medical College, and Kuki students being unable to join Manipur University.
Speaking to the press at his private residence, Dr. Akoijam emphasized that violence is not just about isolated incidents but an ongoing process affecting thousands still languishing in relief camps, living in dire conditions.
He criticized the Prime Minister’s claim of normalcy, calling it insincere and unfortunate. Dr. Akoijam referenced former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai’s statement, suggesting that if the Prime Minister genuinely wants to restore peace, he should apologise for mishandling the situation. He added that while an apology would be belated, it would still be welcomed by the people of Manipur.
Dr. Akoijam also contested the Prime Minister’s assertion that his government refrained from imposing President’s Rule in Manipur, noting that a similar situation also happened in 1993. He argued that the Central government has effectively imposed a de facto President’s Rule beyond constitutional provisions, citing the appointment of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh by the Central government as an example.
The MP criticized the state government as a mere “rubber stamp” of the Central government, incapable of making independent decisions. He cited a recent tweet by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state.
Dr. Akoijam contended that the tweet demonstrated the Central government’s encroachment on the state government’s autonomy, further eroding its authority.
