Stepping up his attack, former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on June 20 blamed the ‘double-engine government’ of the BJP for the current crisis in the Northeastern state, and asked why they did not take appropriate action promptly to control the situation.
“Since May 3, unfortunate incident started (in Manipur). This is due to the incapable ‘double-engine’ government in Manipur. The state government and the Centre are equally responsible (for the current crisis),” said the Congresss leader at a joint press conference of the leaders of 10 ‘like-minded’ political parties from Manipur, organised at the party headquarters in Delhi.
The Congress veteran said: “It has been one and a half months, till today it (situation) could not be controlled. Whether they are doing it intentionally or there is a hidden agenda of the BJP government both at the state and the Centre… Why did they not take appropriate action promptly? If they have determination it can be controlled within two to three days. What is happening in Manipur, it should be considered a national issue.’’
Taking a swipe at his successor, Singh said: “Manipur CM N Biren Singh openly accepted that the unfortunate incident happened due to lack of information and complete failure of law and order”.
Referring to the appointment sought by them to meet the PM, the former CM said: “Manipur is burning. Why is the Government of India silent? Why couldn’t the PM spare a few minutes to meet us? We want peace.”
Endorsing Singh, Congress leader Ajoy Kumar also took a dig at the PM and said: “ Since June 10, leaders of various parties have been waiting to meet PM Modi on the issue of Manipur, but he does not have time.”
Earlier in the day, leaders of the 10 ‘like-minded’ political parties including Congress, Janata Dal (United) and Trinamool Congress submitted a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting the present crisis in Manipur.
They blamed chief minister N Biren Singh for the current crisis in the Northeast state.
“Manipur CM N Biren Singh is the architect of present ethnic violence because of his arbitrary actions. Had he taken preventive and prompt actions, the ethnic clashes could have been averted.
“While speaking as a chief guest on the observation of the Anti-Terrorism Day on May 21 at the conference hall of Old Secretariat,he (N Biren) himself admitted publicly that there was security lapses and intelligence failure on the part of the state government. He should be held solely responsible for the present crisis,” they wrote in the memorandum.
