Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, newly elected MP of Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency, has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its silence regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur. In his address during the Parliament session yesterday, Dr. Akoijam lamented the lack of attention from central leaders towards the plight of Manipur, describing it as a reflection of the colonial era persisting into the post-colonial period.
Expressing anguish over the silence of the Prime Minister and the omission of the Manipur crisis from the President’s speech, Dr. Akoijam highlighted the severity of the situation. “More than 60,000 people have been rendered homeless and over 200 lives lost in the past year alone,” he stated, emphasizing the dire consequences of the crisis including civil unrest and forced displacement. Dr. Akoijam questioned the efficacy of the heavy deployment of central armed forces in Manipur, one of the most militarized regions in the country, yet failing to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. He criticized the government for ignoring such a grave humanitarian crisis.
Referring to the contributions of Manipuris in various fields, including Major Laishram Jotin and athletes like Mary Kom and Mirabai Chanu, Dr. Akoijam underscored the disappointment felt by Manipuris at the government’s silence. “Remaining silent on the Manipur crisis is akin to dishonoring these national heroes,” he remarked, urging the BJP to reconsider its stance.