I will keep quiet when PM Modi speaks on Manipur, says MP Bimol Akoijam

Drawing the attention of central leaders about Manipur, MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam claimed that silence of central leader over Manipur crisis is not a unique thing. Rather it is reflection of general continuity of colonial era in post colonial period.

The newly elected MP of Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency, Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam raised concern about Manipur crisis in parliament yesterday while presenting motion of thanks.

Anguish by silence of prime minister and exclusion of presidential speech on Manipur crisis that has been undergoing for more than year, Bimol said that this silence is not normal. It is a reminder of fact which many scholar have said that there is a continuity of colonial in post colonial period. 

Highlighting the pain and suffering people of state are going through, he said that more than 60,000 are homeless and 200 people have lost their life is not a joke. There has been civil war like situation where people are forced to take arm, fighting each other and defending their villages. But Indian state still remain as mute spectator to this tragedy that has been occurring from last one year. 

He questioned the inability to protect life and property of state when each and every square of land in Manipur is covered by central armed forces. 

“It is one of the most militarised area in country where armed police man is more than civil police besides armed forces of union. Despite of this, how more than 60,000 people were rendered homeless and thousands of houses were destroyed. And yet our prime minister remain silent and don’t mention in president speech,” he rebuked.

“I would keep quiet the moment the Prime Minister open his mouth and nationalist party says that Manipur is part of India and we care for the people of that state. Only then I will accept what is nationalism,” expressed Bimol.  

Recalling the contribution made by Manipuri in different field such as Major Laishram Jotin recipient of Ashok Chakra, Ngangom Joydutta recipient of Veer Chakra, Mary Kom, Kunjarani, Laishram Sarita, Mirabai Chanu, Ratan Thiyam, Aribam Shyam Sharma, he said that remaining silence and not thinking about Manipur crisis is almost similar to dishonouring them by central government. 

He continued and said that it is sad to see a national party like BJP feel comfortable with silence in tragedy of Manipur. 

“Keep your hand on your heart and think about 60000 homeless people, life of women who become widow due to this crisis. Then you talk about nationalism,” he urged.