Former Manipur minister Kh Ratankumar Singh has called on Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Speaker Th Satyabrata to take immediate action against BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip for his controversial statement regarding the killing of six internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Jiribam incident.
Haokip allegedly described the killings as a retaliatory act for the murder of a 31-year-old Hmar woman in the district on November 7.
Ratankumar, speaking to the media at his residence in Babupara on Friday, condemned Haokip’s remarks, labeling them as unconstitutional and akin to encouraging “acts of terrorism.” He asserted that as an elected MLA sworn under the Indian Constitution, Haokip’s statement violated his constitutional duties and undermined democratic values.
“Immediate action needs to be taken by the Chief Minister and the Speaker, with legal assistance, against the MLA for violating the Indian Constitution and the oath he took as an MLA,” Ratankumar said.
He warned that failing to act against Haokip’s remarks could lead Manipur toward becoming a “savage society” and criticized the MLA for allegedly promoting and encouraging violence.
In a recent interview with The Wire, Haokip claimed that the killings of six IDPs, including three women and three minors, were a retaliatory response by Kukis and that he personally knew the 10 individuals killed in an encounter with CRPF personnel in Jiribam. He referred to them as “village volunteers.”
However, Manipur’s Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh, refuted Haokip’s claims, stating that the 10 individuals killed by CRPF personnel were armed militants. Singh confirmed that investigations into the killings of the six IDPs are ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators.
Ratankumar strongly condemned the “cold-blooded” killing of the six IDPs, labeling it an “act of terrorism,” and urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice swiftly.
He also expressed concern over the recurring pattern of violence in Manipur, where tensions flare up periodically but are brought under control within days. “It appears as if the violence is controlled by an ‘invisible force,’” he said.
Ratankumar emphasized the need for unity among politicians, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the general public to prioritize the collective interest of Manipur over personal, political, or ideological differences.
“Before we fall into a trap, we need to avoid being reactive because the choice is ours,” Ratankumar concluded.
