Congress demands Manipur CM’s resignation, fresh polls amid renewed violence
The party says the BJP government in Manipur has “completely failed to stop the violence” and that armed groups possess more sophisticated weapons than the security forces.
Congress party has demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh amid ongoing violence in the state. The party criticized the BJP government for failing to control the unrest and alleged that the armed groups possess more advanced weaponry compared to the security forces. Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka addressed a press conference and urged for time-bound investigations into killings, firing, arson, and destruction of civilian property. He emphasized that until gun culture persists in Manipur, lasting peace remains unattainable.
Protests erupted on October 23, where thousands demonstrated across five districts marching towards Lok Bhavan. The protesters utilized the "sound protest" method suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved banging utensils. However, the police responded with tear gas shells and lathi charge against the demonstrators.
Congress leaders cited recent incidents of violence, such as the killing of three Meitei civilians collecting firewood on October 19 and clashes in Kamjong district, resulting in fatalities among Kuki and Naga civilians.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh proposed forming a committee representing all 36 communities to promote unity in Manipur. The idea stemmed from a query from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the existence of such a committee to unite diverse communities. Meanwhile, the Mahila Congress president, Alka Lamba, visited Manipur and expressed concern over the hardships faced by women affected by the conflict.
She alleged that the BJP government failed to curb the violence in the state. Congress leaders demanded an end to the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities, which began in May 2023, and called for fresh elections, a credible rehabilitation roadmap, and intervention from the Union government to restore peace in the region.
Over 300 lives were lost, and approximately 60,000 people displaced since May 2023, with around 24,000 still unaccounted for.
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