Decrying the failure of the double-engine BJP government to resolve the Manipur crisis, CPI Manipur State Council on Sunday launched the three-day hunger strike, demanding authorities concerned to scramble and usher in an absolute resolution to end the ongoing conflict.
The first day of the strike took place at Irabot Park in Chalou under Lamlai Assembly Constituency, Imphal East; the strike was organised by Imphal East District Council.
The hunger strike will primarily raise nine core demands which include, to resolve the Manipur conflict before the Lok Sabha election by fostering a political solution, to conduct a proper emergency state assembly session to address the crisis, no consideration for separate administration, to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, resettlement of displaced people back to their respective homes, implementation of NRC, to fence the borders of Manipur and withdrawal of SoO with Kuki militants.
The 2nd and 3rd day of the hunger strike will be held at Irawat Bhawan, Imphal and Kakching Lamkhai respectively.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines, former secretary of CPI state council L Sotinkumar lambasted the double-engine BJP government at the centre and state for failing to douse the violent conflict in Manipur.
“The double-engine government is still unable to resolve the conflict even after eight months. They could’ve stopped the conflict in the initial stages but they chose to remain silent and watch as the state burned”, he said.
He expressed suspicion if the entire crisis was an orchestrated move to fulfill a larger geopolitical goal.
“We know that Article 355 is imposed and the state has no reins over the security. The switch in command to the centre calls for serious speculation as the conflict is becoming more violent,” he said.
He further expressed disappointment over the state government’s lack of political will to demand any feasible solution from the centre.
“The long-drawn conflict proves the feeble nature of the state government. Their silence will only enrage the people,” he said.
As such, he demanded the state and central authorities to end the crisis and restore normalcy and peace in Manipur.
