Congress Betrays Manipur: Biren Singh Slams Party for ILP Rejection in 2012, Alleges Treachery
Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of rejecting Manipur’s demand for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and showing blatant disregard for the state’s aspirations. Singh’s sharp critique comes at a time when the debate surrounding ILP has reignited, with the former CM’s remarks shedding new light on the Congress’s historical treatment of Manipur.
According to Singh, it was during a Parliament session on September 4, 2012, that Congress MP Dr. Thokchom Meinya raised the ILP issue, only to be met with a firm rejection by the then UPA government. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mullappaly Ramachandran, dismissed Manipur’s demand, stating that ILP regulations could not be extended beyond Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. This decision, Singh asserts, stems from the Congress’s lack of empathy and failure to recognize Manipur’s unique history and identity.
Singh further questions whether Congress leaders in the state ever informed the people about this rejection, noting that the party’s silence on the issue is telling. He draws parallels between the Congress’s inaction on ILP and its historical treatment of Manipuris, who were first reduced to a Union Territory after the 1949 Merger Agreement and only “grudgingly granted statehood” in 1972. According to Singh, the Congress’s deliberate neglect and appeasement of illegal immigrants have left Manipur’s voice unheeded.
In contrast, Singh credits the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for finally granting ILP to Manipur in 2019, fulfilling a decades-old demand. This move, Singh believes, reflects the party’s commitment to the state’s governance and development. As the debate over ILP continues to simmer, Singh’s remarks are sure to fuel the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and Congress over the region’s governance.
In conclusion, Singh’s sharp critique of the Congress party highlights the urgent need for political leaders to engage with the voices of the people, particularly in matters that affect the very fabric of a state’s identity. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that policies prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people, ahead of party politics.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/biren-singh-slams-congress-for-rejecting-ilp-in-2012-accuses-party-of-betraying-manipur-1192142-2025-04-01?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-01 13:35:00
