Congress MP Bimol Akoijam slams Centre over Manipur crisis, calls for discussion and fresh elections

New Delhi [India], July 31 (ANI): Congress MP from Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, on Wednesday criticised the Central government over its handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, calling for a dedicated discussion in Parliament and demanding fresh elections in the state.
His remarks came after the Rajya Sabha took up a statutory resolution to extend President's Rule in Manipur, while the Lok Sabha discussed a motion moved by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai seeking to extend President's Rule for a further period of six months from August 13, 2025.
Speaking to the ANI, Akoijam said, "We should have discussed Manipur like we discussed Operation Sindoor... President's Rule in Manipur has not been imposed because of the law and order situation but to save the embarrassment that the ruling party was about to face... There must be fresh elections in the state... I will be moving motions to start discussions on Manipur, and I hope they will agree it..."
He also criticised US President Donald Trump's recent decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, stating, "He is working against the self-respect of the country and the Prime Minister is not able to stand up to it unfortunately..."
The statement came after the Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up discussion on a resolution moved by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs (MoS) Nityanand Rai to extend President's Rule in Manipur.
The resolution moved by Nityanand Rai in Lok Sabha stated, "This House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation, dated February 13, 2025, in respect of Manipur, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from 13th August, 2025."
President's Rule was first imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence and political instability in the state. The Rajya Sabha has also adopted the resolution to extend President's Rule till February 13, 2026.
President Droupadi Murmu imposed President's rule in Manipur in February after receiving a report from the state governor. N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister amid violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years.
The imposition of the President's rule can last up to six months, subject to parliamentary approval. During this period, the central government oversees governance. Fresh elections may also be called to elect a new assembly.
Ethnic violence had erupted in Manipur in May 2023. Replying to the debate on the motion to impose President's Rule in Manipur in April this year, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the ethnic violence between the tribal and non-tribal communities in Manipur began due to a decision by the High Court. He said that this violence was neither a failure of the government nor terrorism or religious conflict, but rather ethnic violence arising from the sense of insecurity spread between the two communities due to the interpretation of the High Court's decision. He mentioned that the very next day, the Supreme Court stayed the order because it was deemed unconstitutional. (ANI)