The present violence in Manipur has caused a political storm, with the Congress party calling for the arrest of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Congress party has accused him of alleged involvement and instigation in the recent violence and has called for immediate action against him. While the bordering state’s chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly denied any connection with the alleged Kuki terrorist organisations involved in the disturbance. This denial comes while efforts are being made to resolve the situation and restore peacefully in Manipur. This development compounds an already difficult situation in Manipur.
Background:
Manipur, a state in northeast India has seen an increase in violence, fueled mostly by ethnic tensions and territorial disputes. Clashes between different communities have resulted in deaths, property destruction, and forced displacements. As the situation deteriorates, political groups engage in a blame game, intensifying the unrest.
Allegations of the Congress Party:
The Congress Party, a key opposition party in Assam and Manipur has asked that Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma be arrested in connection with the Manipur unrest. They have accused him of complicity and provocation claiming that his government has failed to effectively address the problem. The Congress party blames Sarma for the escalating situation and demands immediate action to restore calm.
Criticism from Congress:
The Congress party in Manipur has criticised the current government, claiming that it has been unsuccessful in putting a stop to the turmoil and has exacerbated ethnic tensions. They allege that a lack of proactive actions and a failure to engage in genuine discourse have exacerbated the hazardous situation. The Congress party has asked the central government to intervene in order to restore law and order and defend people’s lives and rights in Manipur.
Call for Investigation and Legal Action:
At a press conference, Congress leaders claimed to have proof linking Biswa to the violent episodes in Manipur. They encouraged law authorities to conduct an extensive inquiry into the claims. The Congress party emphasised that no one, regardless of political party should be above the law, and called for the arrest of the Biswa if the evidence confirms the charges.
Response from the Assam Chief Minister’s Office:
The office of Assam Chief Minister, Biswa has firmly denied the Congress party’s charges. They have denied the charges as politically driven and intended to destroy the character of Biswa. The Chief Minister’s office has asked for a fair and impartial probe into the violence in Manipur, emphasising Biswa commitment to regional peace and security.
Dialogue and Justice:
 The Assam Chief Minister, Biswa has emphasised the importance of conducting a thorough inquiry into the Manipur violence in order to bring the culprits to justice. He has emphasised that the situation necessitates a thorough investigation of the facts to ensure that innocent parties are not wrongly charged. Furthermore, he has asked all parties involved to participate in conversation in order to find a peaceful settlement to the issues and return Manipur to normalcy.
Political Unrest and Manipur’s Stability:
The call for the arrest of Biswa comes at a critical point when Manipur is already dealing with widespread violence. The allegations against the Chief Minister have fueled the flames, further polarising the political scene. The focus on political rivalries and personal charges diverts attention away from the critical need to address the fundamental causes of the riots and restore stability in Manipur.
The Government’s Responsibility to Keep the Peace:
The Manipur state government has deployed more security forces to restore calm and maintain law and order in the affected districts in response to the rising violence. The government has also emphasised the value of communication and urged all parties concerned to avoid violence. They have emphasised the importance of understanding and togetherness in order to address the underlying challenges and work towards a long-term solution that meets the aspirations of all people in Manipur.
Manipur can pave the path for long-term peace and stability by addressing the core causes of conflicts, finding justice for victims, and building an atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding. The cooperation of both the state and central governments, as well as the active participation of all involved parties, is required to achieve this goal and restore peace to Manipur.