Shiv Sena Manipur Pradesh president M Tombi has criticised the BJP government for its inaction on withdrawing the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which was signed during the Congress regime with groups allegedly involving illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday at the state party headquarters in Babupara, Tombi questioned why the BJP government has not acted to deport illegal immigrants if it is aware that narco-terrorists infiltrated from Myanmar are contributing to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
Referring to a statement by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who reportedly proposed the creation of a separate land for Kukis by incorporating parts of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, Tombi called out the central government for its lack of stern action against him.
He further criticized the Kuki-Zo MLAs of Manipur for allegedly supporting the Mizoram Chief Minister’s statement. Tombi questioned why Manipur Assembly Speaker Th. Satyabrata has not initiated legal action against these MLAs.
“Even with 288 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed, or even if the number increases to 500, Manipur will remain in turmoil if the CAPF does not act decisively,” Tombi said.
He also pointed to the stark contrast in responses to incidents of violence. “When two women were paraded naked during the early days of the ongoing conflict, it was condemned nationwide, including by the Prime Minister. But when six internally displaced persons, including three women, two minors, and an eight-month-old infant, were abducted and killed in cold blood, why is there silence?” he asked.
Tombi dismissed the state government’s suspension of internet services as an ineffective solution to the escalating issues. Instead, he called for at least 40 Meitei MLAs to resign from the BJP as a collective and symbolic protest to push for decisive action.
He also condemned BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip’s statement, which he claimed justified the killing of six individuals as revenge for the murder of a 31-year-old Hmar woman in Jiribam.
Tombi urged all non-Kuki-Zo MLAs to cooperate and work together, stating that only through unity among legislators can meaningful steps be taken toward restoring peace in Manipur.
