INDIA Bloc Calls for All-Party Meeting Amid Rising Violence in Manipur
Urgent Appeal for Political Intervention
Manipur CM Khemchand meeting INDIA block delegation at his official residence in Babupara at 11 am, on Tuesday. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Oct 20: A delegation from the INDIA bloc met with Manipur's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday, urging him to organize an all-party meeting to address the worsening law and order situation and seek political intervention from the Centre to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The delegation, which included former Chief Minister and Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh, convened at Khemchand's official residence in Babupara at 11 am, following the tragic deaths of three civilians due to armed attacks in Nongshum, located in the Imphal East district.
After the meeting, Khemchand acknowledged the delegation's serious concerns regarding the recent killings and their request for an all-party discussion.
“I listened attentively and assured them that the situation would be addressed,” the Chief Minister remarked, describing the dialogue as productive.
Ibobi, speaking to reporters post-meeting, mentioned that the delegation proposed various suggestions, including the need for political parties to unite for collective discussions on the crisis.
“As representatives of the INDIA bloc, we sought a meeting with the Chief Minister to discuss the current law and order issues and presented several recommendations,” he stated.
He also proposed that the Chief Minister arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that Khemchand could relay the names of the proposed delegates and the meeting's objectives to the Centre through his office.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence, Ibobi questioned how long the community could endure such loss of life.
“How long can we accept this? Each day, lives are lost,” he lamented, referring to the ongoing conflict among the Naga, Kuki, and Meitei communities.
He emphasized that it is the state government's primary duty to protect lives and property, calling for decisive action to halt further violence.
When asked about the Chief Minister's response, Ibobi noted that Khemchand had indicated that an all-party meeting could be arranged “as needed.”
However, no specific date was set for this meeting, and the delegation did not impose a deadline.
This appeal comes in the wake of renewed violence in Manipur, with reports indicating four fatalities in recent incidents near Uyumpok and Nongshum in Imphal East and in Thoubal.
Additionally, a 48-hour statewide shutdown was initiated in protest against the killings, starting at midnight on Monday. Streets were largely empty on Tuesday, while supporters of the shutdown demonstrated in various areas of Imphal.
Nighttime protests were reported in Lamlong, Singjamei, Kwakeithel, and Chingmeirong, reflecting the growing public outrage over the latest acts of violence.