The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday asserted that succumbing to the geo-political maneuvers of the Centre is not an option for the state government amid the ongoing crisis in the state.
Vice-president of MPCC, Hareshwor Goswami, while speaking to the media at Congress Bhawan in Imphal, accused the state government of being pressured by the Centre, emphasising the relevance of Article 355 of the Indian Constitution in handling internal disturbances.
Goswami disclosed that, despite the evident imposition of Article 355 since the onset of violence, neither the state nor the Central government have officially denied it.
He said appointments and changes in key positions within the state government, including the security advisor and top administrative roles, raised concerns about the central influence on law and order.
He highlighted the failure of both governments to effectively address the violence that started last year, accusing the BJP-led central government of engaging in geo-politics.
Goswami criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the untimely intervention despite personally witnessing the situation, citing the apex court’s observation of a total collapse in law and order.
The Congress leader expressed skepticism about the “double engine government” and accused both the central and state governments of hiding the true picture from the people.
He questioned the commitment to resolving the crisis and urged a meeting with the Prime Minister involving all political parties to find a lasting solution for peace in Manipur.
Emphasising that the Congress party’s focus is on restoring peace, Goswami concluded by stating that the current state government led by CM Biren lacks the capability to bring normalcy, necessitating the Prime Minister’s intervention for a comprehensive solution.
