IT News
Imphal, June 11:
Former Chief Minister and CLP leader Okram Ibobi lashed out at the current Manipur administration, accusing the Chief Minister of shirking responsibility and unfairly blaming the Congress party.
In a press briefing today, Okram Ibobi has stated that “instead of taking appropriate action and fulfilling his responsibilities, the CM blames the Congress.” He emphasized that it was the Congress that played a pivotal role in developing infrastructure and ensuring security for the people of Manipur.
He dismissed claims that the Congress would support a separate administration, insisting, “Without any basis, they say that Congress is going to agree with separate administration. They should remember that we will not do anything to break Manipur. Whether we win the election or not, we would not do anything detrimental to the territorial integrity of Manipur.”
Drawing historical parallels, former CM referenced past Congress efforts to maintain peace and integrity in the region. “Indira Gandhi tried initially to calm the situation, asking the Mizo National Front not to take a violent path, but they did not agree. Later, the Mizo National Front was crushed by whatever means necessary, leading to peace through the accord and various concessions by Rajiv Gandhi,” he recounted. “Even then, Rajiv Gandhi did not allow for Greater Mizoram, which asked for the inclusion of Churachandpur in Mizoram. So, the Congress party will not do anything that will harm the integrity of India and Manipur,” he added.
Okram Ibobi also criticized the current administration for security lapses, referring to recent incidents on Imphal to Jiribam road. “It is unfortunate that the advance convoy was ambushed. This is a total failure on the part of the state. They should take full precautions, but prior intelligence was not gathered. It is a complete failure of the Government in Jiribam; they should not have evacuated but provided protection there and then, instead of transporting them to Assam. The same mistake happened in Moreh and Jiribam,” he asserted.
The former CM’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension in Manipur, as the state grapples with security challenges following the violence at Jiribam district where several Meitei villages have been burnt down.
