‘PR in Manipur — an attack on democratic rights’

Imphal: Imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur is violation of the democratic rights of people, said Shiv Sena Manipur Pradesh president Moirangthem Tombi on Saturday as he criticized the central government’s failure to form a popular government in the state despite India’s federal structure.

“The failure to establish an elected government in Manipur a state of a democratic country like India is a clear act of discrimination against the people of Manipur,” Tombi said.

He was addressing reporters at the party office, here.

The President’s Rule was not imposed with the intention of restoring peace amid the ongoing crisis, which has lasted for over 709 days. “Even after two months of PR, there has been no significant improvement in the situation in the state,” he added.

Meitei groups in the valley submitted a large quantity of looted arms responding to the appeal of Home minister Amit Shah and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to surrender illegal weapons. However, Kuki-Zo communities refused to comply, declaring that they would not surrender any weapons until their demands are met, he said.

He also criticized the failure to ensure free movement along roads in the state.

Calling out what he described as the “appeasement politics” of the central government, Tombi warned, “If this continues, the youth of Manipur may start harboring anti-national sentiments. Stop it immediately.”