Imphal: An INDIA Bloc delegation led by former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Wednesday urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to seek immediate central intervention to address the state’s prolonged crisis, citing deteriorating security and a breakdown in governance.
The delegation submitted a memorandum at Lok Bhavan, highlighting recent deadly violence in the border districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong and calling for coordinated action by the state and central governments to restore normalcy.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ibobi Singh said the conflict had continued to shift between Meitei-Kuki and Naga-Kuki confrontations, followed by targeted killings of Meiteis by Kuki militants.
He questioned how long the people of Manipur would have to endure the violence and said the prolonged instability is unacceptable. He also asked whether a crisis of such duration would be tolerated in any other state.
The delegation reminded the Governor of his constitutional responsibilities as the President’s representative and urged him to advise the state administration and coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to address the situation.
While acknowledging that law and order is a state subject, Ibobi Singh said central intervention had become imperative, alleging that the state government had failed to contain the crisis. He also criticised the BJP’s “double-engine” government, accusing the Centre of not taking the situation in Manipur seriously.
The delegation raised concerns over national security, alleging that armed groups operating across the India-Myanmar border were attacking Indian citizens. Ibobi Singh said responsibility for safeguarding international borders rested with the Union government and called for action to prevent further violence.
The memorandum also sought stringent action against armed groups violating ceasefire terms, regardless of whether they are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement or other ceasefire arrangements.
The delegation further requested the Governor to facilitate a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its members said they were willing to convey issues affecting the state to the central leadership that the current state government might be reluctant to raise.