Dragging more dispute over Congress party manifesto, Meitei Leepun, a valley-based socio-culture organisation, has questioned the confusion created by Congress manifesto regarding administrative settlements.
Highlighting a resolution by the Congress Working Committee in 2011 opposing the implementation of the NRC by Meitei Leepun chief Pramot Singh, the organisation questioned Congress candidate Bimol Akoijam to clarify his stance on the NRC as to whether he would go against the Congress’s official policy opposing its implementation.
Meitei Leepun chief Pramot Singh, addressing a press conference at Meitei Langol, strongly reacted against the removal of CM Biren, which is included in the Congress manifesto.
Expressing dissatisfaction over Congress’ manifesto regarding reconciliation, Pramot rejected the need for reconciliation saying that “the criminal actions committed by the Kuki community against Meiteis is the cause of the violence.”
Showing full support to CM Biren, Pramot asserted that it is their duty to support the chief minister.
The campaign approach this time should be different, focusing solely on discussing issues, unlike previous elections, Pramot said.
Stressing more on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Pramot criticized the previous Congress government for not updating the NRC since 1951, attributing the current issues to this neglect.
Pramot also addressed comments made by Bhakta Charan Das, the National General Secretary, accusing Meiteis of starting the conflict. He urged Bimol to address the matter.
Regarding the violence in the state, Pramot attributed it to the government’s actions against poppy cultivation and war against drugs initiated by CM Biren’s government, leading to anger and demands for his removal by the Kuki militants.
He questioned why the Congress manifesto included the removal of CM Biren and compared their stance to the demands of the Kuki community.
Beyond partisan politics, Paromot Singh stressed “the importance of safeguarding the Chief Minister’s position and supporting him, asserting that it is the duty of both Meitei Leepun and the people of Manipur”.
The Meitei Leepun chief urged political parties to prioritize the interests of Manipur over election politics and demanded clear and straightforward statements from both the Congress and BJP.
