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All-party meeting on Manipur crisis draws prominent political parties, emphasises unity in action
NEW DELHI: In the all-Party meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 24, 2023, to address the deepening crisis in Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, the CLP Leader of Manipur representing the Indian National Congress, seized the opportunity to express the grievances and demands of his party.
Singh’s participation in the meeting was overshadowed by his frustration over the limited time allocated for presenting his views, which he believes represent the “pain and anguish of the people of Manipur.”
“More than 50 days after the violence in Manipur started, the Home Ministry organised an all-party meeting today. I was nominated by the AICC.
I barely had 7-8 minutes to share my views. Manipur is my home state. I asked for additional five minutes to express my opinions, but it was denied. This is unfortunate,”said Okram Ibobi Singh at a press conference following the meeting.
The all-party meeting organised by the Home Minister today was just an eye-wash and a formality.
As the principal Opposition party, our representative the senior most leader from Manipur, 3-time elected CM Okram Ibobi Singh, was not allowed to present his points representing… pic.twitter.com/XMjfWXYHBa
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 24, 2023
Singh, a seasoned three-time chief minister of Manipur, raised concerns over the prolonged silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Manipur issue, which has persisted for over 50 days. The Congress leader vehemently argued that the gravity of Manipur’s distress demands the Prime Minister’s immediate attention and action.
Following the meeting, Singh presented a comprehensive set of demands, underscoring the urgency of addressing the crisis. He passionately called for the disarming of all armed groups in the region without any compromise. Singh also highlighted the pressing need for effective governance, criticizing the state government’s failure to handle the situation adequately. He particularly criticized the Chief Minister’s unilateral withdrawal of commitments to the tripartite Agreement on Suspension of Operations with certain militant groups, considering it a grave blunder that has exacerbated the damage caused.
It’s a national issue!
Manipur is a part of India!
Why couldn’t the PM spare a few minutes to meet us?
It’s a complete failure of the double-engine government.
: Shri Okram Ibobi Singh, Former Manipur CM pic.twitter.com/V05xRKKTPR
— INC TV (@INC_Television) June 20, 2023
Singh emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding the unity and territorial integrity of Manipur, firmly asserting that any compromise in these aspects would be unacceptable. He further emphasized the need for the government to sensitively address the grievances of all communities, fostering inclusivity and harmony as crucial steps toward restoring peace in the region.
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Singh’s demands also encompassed immediate steps by the Union Government to ensure the availability of essential commodities by keeping the two national highways open and secure at all times. He strongly criticized the relief package announced by the government, deeming it grossly inadequate. Singh called for the urgent formulation of a comprehensive package that would provide appropriate relief, rehabilitation, resettlement, and livelihood support to the affected people.
ALSO READ: Lost home & unborn child: Manipur family recounts horror, wants peace
The All-Party meeting witnessed the presence of prominent political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, Shiv Sena, the Trinamool Congress, the Mizo National Front, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the AIADMK, the DMK, the RJD, the Samajwadi Party, and the AAP. The collective participation of these parties underscored the urgency and the united front in addressing the critical situation in Manipur.
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