The Congress party on Friday condemned the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur, accusing the BJP-led state government of “incompetency” and internal disunity as the primary reasons behind the decision. Manipur Congress vice president Hareshwar Goshwami claimed that the move was unprecedented, especially since the BJP holds an absolute majority in the state assembly.
“This is a direct result of the BJP government’s failure to govern effectively. Even if BJP MLAs are re-elected, they won’t be able to form a stable government,” Goshwami stated. He also raised concerns about potential “hidden agendas” behind mass combing operations and threats to the state’s territorial integrity.
President’s rule was imposed on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, which plunged the state into political uncertainty. The Manipur assembly, whose tenure lasts until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
Amid the political turmoil, Goshwami praised the public’s voluntary surrender of arms and ammunition but called for clear policies to regulate the process. “A spokesperson should be appointed to monitor the surrender of weapons in both hill and valley areas,” he suggested.
In response to public demand, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended the deadline for surrendering looted and illegal arms until March 6. Over 300 weapons were handed over during the initial seven-day period, primarily in the valley districts.
The state has been grappling with ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacing thousands. The Congress leader urged the formation of a new government before the next Parliament session to address the ongoing crisis.
