Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday formally unveiled the five guarantees that the Congress party pledges to implement for the welfare of the people of Manipur.
These guarantees encompass the restoration of peace; tabling of the Displaced Persons (Compensation and Resettlement) Bill; legislation to ensure employment opportunities for village volunteers within state forces; a dedicated job quota for those physically handicapped due to the crisis; and the formation of an inquiry commission to evaluate property losses during violent episodes.
In his speech prior to the incident, former chief minister and CLP leader O Ibobi took a swipe at the current BJP-led government, criticising its penchant for blaming the previous Congress administration for governance shortcomings.
He pointed out the irony of Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s active role in decision-making processes as a cabinet minister during the previous administration, despite consistently laying blame on the Congress government.
Expressing his discontentment, Ibobi emphasised the sluggish progress on infrastructure projects by both the state and central governments.
He particularly highlighted the railway line project initiated in 2006 under PM Manmohan Singh’s UPA government. Ibobi revealed that despite 70 per cent completion during the Congress’s tenure, the project remains incomplete to this day.
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Furthermore, Ibobi shed light on the dire situation of individuals residing in relief camps for over a year, branding it as a glaring indication of the government’s inefficacy.
Strongly condemning purported efforts to influence voters through monetary inducements, Ibobi urged the electorate to stand firm against such unethical tactics and prioritise their integrity.
The programme also witnessed the presence of INDIA bloc common candidate of inner Manipur parliamentary constituency professor Akoijam Bimol of the INC among other leaders of the INDIA bloc, Manipur.
Meanwhile, reacting to a statement given by Chief Minister N Biren Singh regarding implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, Working President Kh Devbarta said their opposition is to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and not against NRC.
Speaking to the media at a press meet held at Congress Bhawan, Devabarta highlighted that Rahul Gandhi articulated this perspective by accusing the BJP of exploiting the citizenship act for communal gains.
He mentioned that the chief minister’s statement of implementing NRC soon in Manipur lacks substance, as there is no official documentation supporting this claim.
Devabratta said, no discussions regarding the NRC have taken place during state assembly sessions.
The state indeed possesses the authority to identify and report individuals who have entered illegally, with provisions outlined in the Foreigners Act and Passport Act. However, the government’s failure to invest in infrastructure and tribunal appointments hampers effective execution of these measures, he said.
Instead of addressing these fundamental shortcomings, efforts have been diverted towards investigating allegations of large-scale migration from Myanmar to Manipur, exemplified by the appointment of Letpao Haokip to represent the cabinet in this matter” he added.
Devbarta further said that the NRC has primarily been implemented in Assam. For the NRC to be enforced in Manipur, a gazette notification is imperative.
“Despite the chief minister’s assurances of implementation, the absence of official documentation, cabinet decisions, or communications from the central government’s Home Ministry raises doubts” said Devbarta.
