Amid the prevailing pandemonium in strife-torn Manipur, fresh fact has recently come to light that Article 355 of the Indian constitution had been imposed in the state.
MPCC President K Meghachandra made the significant announcement after holding an all political party meeting with Chief Minister N Biren Singh at his secretariat office on Sunday.
According to sources, the meeting was held, following the appeal raised by 10 political parties of Manipur to deliberate on finding a solution to the protracted Manipur unrest.
K Meghachandra, shedding light on the matter, expressed discontentment with the centre and state government and accused them of being insincere all this time. He asserted that the Chief Minister himself revealed that Article 355 was imposed in Manipur during the meet and termed it unfortunate.
He further reminded that Article 355 of the Indian Constitution covers ‘external aggression’ and ‘internal disturbance’. The lack of clarity and uncertainty which had been facing the people whether Article 355 is imposed in the state of Manipur or not has been made clear, he added.
It is pertinent here to mention that Article 355 of the Indian Constitution reads, ‘It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution’.
Chief Minister N Biren posted on X saying ‘Chaired a meeting with representatives of the 10 political parties at my secretariat to address the current situation in Manipur. Constructive discussions were held, reflecting a united commitment to navigate challenges and work collectively for the well-being of our state’.
The meeting was attended by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam; Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar; Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai; Lilong MLA Abdul Nasir; Moirang MLA Th Shanti; Congress leader O Ibobi; MPCC vice president Hareswar Goswami and representatives of 10 political parties.
It may be mentioned that the 10 political parties had submitted various memorandums regarding the unrest and also met with different ministers except the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the meeting of ruling party MLAs convened by the Chief Minister N Biren Singh at 11.30 am proved inconclusive.
BJP MLAs Kh Raghumani of Uripok and P Brojen of Wangjing-Tentha requested leave of absence from the meeting citing health reasons.
The meeting was convened to discuss the latest developments after Arambai Tenggol called a meeting of all Meitei MLAs and MPs at Kangla on January 24.
The group Arambai Tenggol had insisted on their compulsory attendance or face the consequences of public action.
As speculations about possible resignation of the Chief Minister and MLAs in the social media and some newspapers, Arambai Tenggol issued a warning that if at all they want to resign they should do it after the January 24 meeting and not before.
