Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam Urges Home Minister Amit Shah for Urgent Action Amidst Manipur Crisis

A Bimol Akoijam, Congress MP from Inner Manipur, has urgently appealed to Home Minister Amit Shah to address the escalating violence in Manipur, calling for immediate and decisive measures to restore peace. In a detailed letter, Akoijam expressed grave concern over the ongoing crisis, likening the situation to the trauma of India’s 1947 partition.

Akoijam urged a comprehensive investigation into the roles of illegal immigrants, foreign elements, and the drug mafia in fueling the violence. He criticized the current administration’s handling of the crisis, noting the substantial human cost with hundreds dead and around 60,000 displaced, many of whom are living in dire conditions in relief camps.

The MP also raised alarms over reports of aerial attacks using weaponized drones and rockets, as well as rampant extortion and criminal activity. He questioned why such violence has been allowed to continue unchecked, suggesting that the central government might not have tolerated similar violence in other parts of India.

Akoijam called for a meticulous review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, cautioning that it might be exacerbating the unrest. He emphasized the need for a thorough release of findings from the inquiry committee led by former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba, which was set up in June 2023.

The letter underscores the need for rejecting identity politics, prioritizing the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and implementing fiscal relief measures to address the economic impact of the violence. The call for action comes as internet services remain suspended and prohibitory orders are in effect across several districts of Manipur, where clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have resulted in over 200 deaths since May 2023.