Congress and WAMA Demand Political Accountability Amid Manipur Unrest

Imphal: Manipur faces escalating political pressure as both the Congress party and the Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA) Kangleipak demand immediate leadership changes. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has left 306 people dead and thousands displaced. WAMA is calling for the resignation of Manipur BJP president A. Sarda Devi. The group accuses her of protecting party interests instead of the indigenous population.

WAMA demands Sarda Devi expel seven Kuki BJP MLAs who publicly sought a separate administration from the Indian government. The organization argues that her failure to act proves she cannot ensure public safety. Public anger is mounting. Women across the state have burned effigies of the party president in protest. WAMA publicity secretary Lamdamba Salam stated the leader must be held accountable for the crisis.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and the immediate dissolution of the state assembly. During a New Delhi press conference, Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka condemned the government for the worsening security situation. He highlighted the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near a forest and reported violence between Kuki and Naga communities in Kamjong district. The party also cited a recent crackdown on October 23, where police used tear gas and lathi charges against demonstrators marching toward Lok Bhavan in five districts.

Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba, who toured the region in early October, blamed the ruling party for the lack of order. “The BJP government in Manipur has completely failed to stop the violence there. Neither is the violence stopping, nor are those committing the violence being punished,” Lamba said. Congress is now pressing the Union government for a time-bound peace roadmap and a formal review of the Suspension of Operations agreement. They report that 60,000 people were displaced by the fighting, with 24,000 still unable to return home. As of now, 49 people remain missing.