The Manipur unit of the Congress party on Thursday alleged that the recurring violence in the state is a direct consequence of the failure of both the state and Union governments to properly exercise their constitutional powers. This statement was made a day after three suspected militants fatally shot three church leaders in Kangpokpi, while another man was killed in Noney district.
Congress Leader Condemns Killings
State Congress chief O Ibobi Singh expressed strong condemnation of the incidents, stating, "We strongly condemn the killings. Three persons belonging to one community were killed on Wednesday morning, while a civilian from another community was killed in the evening in what appears to be a retaliatory act." He emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the apparent cycle of revenge between communities.
Questioning the Centre's Response
O Ibobi Singh also questioned the Central government's response, saying, "How long will the Central government remain a mute spectator to the series of killings taking place in the state? It appears as if the state has been left on its own, and different communities are being allowed to engage in violence." He pointed to the ethnic violence that erupted in 2023, noting that even the Supreme Court had previously observed that law and order in the state had completely collapsed.
Call for End to Violence
The Congress leader further stated, "Killings between communities will never bring any solution. It is time to shun revenge," while reiterating that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government. He asserted, "The constitutional powers given to the government are not being properly used by both the state and Union governments. This, I believe, is the cause of the unrest."
