Imphal: The BJP-led central government is ignoring Manipur. Social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem slammed the administration for failing to answer a formal notice submitted by Inner Manipur MP Professor Bimol Akoijam. The MP filed this under Rule 377 during the parliamentary session that ran from July 20 to August 13. He submitted the request on August 7.
The notice demanded clear details on the tripartite Suspension of Operations agreements involving armed groups. Akoijam specifically asked the government to disclose the terms, conditions, and current compliance status of these pacts. He wanted the information made public. The MP also pushed for a crackdown on illegal extortion occurring across various national highways. He specifically requested that the state punish any armed group violating the agreement, noting that the government should scrap the deals if necessary.
The petition also touched on the killing of six Liangmei civilians. This specific incident involves the KNF (P), an armed group currently operating under the Suspension of Operations pact. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho reportedly raised these concerns as well. Fifty-five days have passed without a single word from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Ahanthem blasted this delay. He stated, "The Ministry of Home Affairs had not responded to the notice, which he claimed was contrary to parliamentary practice concerning replies to matters raised under Rule 377."
Ahanthem now questions the commitment of the Centre to parliamentary democracy. He warned the people of Manipur to reflect on this silence before the 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. The government remains silent.
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