Joint intervention by Naga and Kuki leaders curbs Litan violence: Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam

Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on February 12 welcomed the swift joint intervention by Naga and Kuki legislators and community leaders to contain the recent violence at Litan in Ukhrul district, describing the incident as “very unfortunate”.

 

Addressing the media at a press conference held at his office, Akoijam said the coordinated effort by representatives of both communities helped prevent further escalation.

 

“The joint effort shown by legislators and community leaders from both communities of Naga and Kuki is commendable. Such action shows maturity of political leaders,” he said.

 

He added that similar cooperation during the violence of May 2023 could have reduced the scale of suffering in the state. “Had such joint intervention been made during May 2023 violence, the state wouldn’t have suffered this much,” he remarked.

 

Raising broader concerns, Akoijam alleged that the situation in Manipur suggested attempts to divide the state along community lines. “Observing the situation of Manipur, it seems Government of India always attempts to split Manipur into community lines. People should always be alert to this,” he said. Political grievances, he added, should not be addressed along communal lines.

 

Responding to questions on whether the new government could bring lasting peace, he said Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had taken a positive step by visiting Jiribam to build trust between communities. “It is welcoming. However, as a leader of the state, he should always be ready to stand for the people,” he said.

 

On the issue of governance, Akoijam asserted that responsibility for law and order lies with the state government. “Law and order come under the state government. However, in the context of Manipur, it is completely run by Government of India. Manipur government is just kept as a facade of Government of India,” he stated.

 

He urged the state administration to “reclaim their power of controlling law and order and stop acting as puppet of central leaders for lasting peace and solution”.

 

The MP also expressed concern over reports of armed men moving around during the Litan violence. He said the government should not normalise the presence of armed men roaming freely and must ensure accountability, particularly as suspension of operations agreements have been signed with certain militant groups.

 

The situation in Litan remains tense but under control, with community leaders continuing dialogue to prevent further unrest.