Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Congress leaders demanded the immediate resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on October 25. The party wants the state Assembly dissolved and fresh elections held to address the worsening security situation. Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka highlighted the death toll during a New Delhi press conference.
The conflict has claimed at least 306 lives since May 2023. Approximately 60,000 people faced displacement, with 24,000 still unable to return home. Another 49 individuals remain missing. Ulaka did not mince words. "The entire state is burning, and both the Centre and state governments are responsible," he said.
Tensions hit a boiling point on October 23. Protesters marched across five districts toward Lok Bhavan before police detained them with lathi charges and tear gas. The unrest continues to spread. Recent incidents include the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near a forest and ongoing clashes between Kuki and Naga communities in Kamjong district.
Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba echoed these frustrations after an early October visit. "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 claimed. The party is now pushing for time-bound investigations into arson, firing, and property destruction.
Congress wants a strict review of the Suspension of Operations agreement rules. They also demanded the restoration of free movement and a clear roadmap for rehabilitation. The Union government faces mounting pressure to explain how it will restore order before a rally scheduled for November 1.
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