Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Congress leaders huddled with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi at 10, Rajaji Marg in New Delhi on November 2. The 11 a.m. meeting focused on the state’s persistent law and order breakdown and preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections. Attendees included former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh, State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra, AICC in-charge Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, and working presidents Victor Keishing and Manga Vaiphei.
Ethnic conflict has plagued the state since May 2023. Violence between Meitei and Kuki communities has killed at least 306 people, left 49 missing, and displaced thousands. Recent clashes between Kuki and Naga groups have added to the turmoil, with over 50 deaths reported across Tamenglong, Noney, Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts since February. On Sunday, demonstrators in Kangpokpi burned tires and blocked roads after the discovery of two mutilated bodies in the Senapati district.
Meghachandra underscored the urgency of the situation. He stated, "The meeting focused on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, the continuing violence and insecurity, and the failure to restore lasting peace and normalcy in the state."
General Secretary K.C. Venugopal blasted the BJP, citing "total misgovernance" in the region. Meanwhile, the Congress bolstered its ranks by inducting former minister Chaltolian Amo and former revenue officer D.P. Haokip into the party. Amo, a four-time MLA from the Tipaimukh constituency, lost the 2022 election as a BJP candidate. The party also confirmed that Haokip, from the Saikot constituency, has joined their fold. Party leaders spent the prior day at an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, protesting against what they termed a stolen mandate and electoral irregularities under the current administration.
Comments