Fresh Manipur violence driven by fringe elements: Congress MP Bimol Akoijam

Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam on February 6 said the recent incidents of fresh violence in Manipur were being triggered by radical fringe elements opposed to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis, stressing that the situation is not widespread but confined to certain pockets.

Reacting to the developments, Akoijam said such elements have played a role from the very beginning of the violence and continue to obstruct efforts aimed at restoring normalcy.

“There are radical elements who are against a peaceful resolution. This is how the violence has started. It is not widespread violence but is limited to certain pockets. These are fringe elements. It is unfortunate,” he said.

He emphasised that while grievances may exist, they must be addressed through dialogue and constitutional means. “Their concerns should be addressed peacefully. Nobody should be allowed to take the law into their hands,” the Congress MP said.

Also Read: Total shutdown disrupts normal life in Manipur’s Churachandpur

Akoijam also called upon the Government of India to adopt a sincere and transparent approach towards resolving the Manipur situation. He said the Centre must ensure that the state government is provided with all necessary conditions and institutional support to function effectively.

Referring to the change in leadership in the state, Akoijam said the new Chief Minister must uphold constitutional values. “The Government of India must be honest in its approach and ensure that the state government has all the necessary conditions to function properly. The new CM should have the constitutional morality to defend the autonomy of the Constitution,” he added.

On violence in Churachandpur, Manipur Minister Govindas Konthoujam says, "As of now, you can't say that the situation is normal, as there are some disturbances. The situation is under control."

"They are not happy, so they are expressing their discontent. Nothing will happen. No violence took place yesterday. Security arrangement is there. We can't take immediate action. Some of them are very peace-loving people. Gradually the things will improve. As of now, you can't say that the situation is normal, as there are some disturbances. The situation is under control."

Manipur has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence even as security forces continue deployment in sensitive areas, with political leaders increasingly calling for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to constitutional processes to bring lasting peace to the state.