In a move to address the escalating security crisis, the top leadership of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) convened with the governor on Wednesday evening, calling for immediate intervention from the Home Ministry following intensive attacks by Kuki militants on state commando in Moreh.
The attacks on Wednesday, which claimed lives of two CDO personnel, reportedly involved the use of heavy weapons, raising concerns about the safety of state forces and even the potential threat to helicopters in the region.
Speaking to the media at the gate of the Raj Bhawan in Imphal after meeting the governor, CLP leader O Ibobi expressed deep concern over the perceived negligence of both the state and central governments.
He lamented that they have been mere spectators while the CDO faces attacks from Kuki militants deploying heavy artillery, and he accused the government of failing to issue orders for central forces to retaliate.
"It is unfortunate that the government, responsible for maintaining law and order is seemingly treating these attacks as a festival," Ibobi remarked.
He further highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasising that the attack took place in the presence of central forces who allegedly had not received any orders to respond to the aggression.
Ibobi took the opportunity to criticise the state government for turning a deaf ear to repeated appeals made by the MPCC regarding the matter.
As a response to the perceived inaction, the MPCC decided to approach the governor, who represents both the central and state authorities, he added.
The CLP leader cautioned that the government's irresponsible handling of the situation might fuel public dissatisfaction, potentially leading to an uprising.
The MPCC delegation, led by its president K Meghachandra, included prominent members such as MLAs K Ranjit, Th Lokeshwar, and CWC member Gaikhangam.
A press release from the Raj Bhavan stated that former CM O Ibobi Singh along with Gaikhangam, K Meghachandra, President, MPCC, T Ranjit, MLA Sugnu AC and Th Lokeshwar, MLA Khundrakpam A/C called on Governor Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal and briefed on the damage of public properties and loss of many innocent lives since the outbreak of ethnic strife in May last year and also informed on the violence in Moreh today.
They conveyed that the public in Thoubal areas have announced to march towards Moreh if additional state forces are not deployed and the inaction of the central forces. The team urged for immediate intervention of the Governor to control the situation, the release said.
The Governor heard their grievances and said that she was informed of the stringent security arrangements that have been put in place, and more central security forces will be sent by tomorrow morning. She appealed to the visiting team to co-operate and support every step taken up to restore peace and normalcy in the State, the Raj Bhavan said.
