Imphal: The Congress has accused the BJP-led central government of handling the situation in Manipur irresponsibly over the past five years, alleging that its approach has seriously impacted the state’s security and economy.
This was stated recently by AICC in-charge of Manipur Christopher Tilak, who came to the ethnic violence-affected northeastern state to take part in the party’s ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign.
Tilak said the prolonged instability in Manipur reflects serious governance failures. “What has happened in Manipur is very unfortunate. Over the last five years, the Centre has handled the state irresponsibly. The economy is in deep trouble, and security, including border security, has also become a major concern,” he said.
At least 260 people were killed and thousands became homeless in clashes between two communities — the valley-based Meiteis and Kukis of the hills — since May 2023.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025, days after N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister. The BJP leader became the CM first in 2017 and again after the 2022 assembly election.
Tilak alleged that the imposition of President’s Rule had failed to restore normalcy, claiming that underground groups had enforced a bandh during his previous visit to the state. “This shows that the Centre is not serious about resolving Manipur’s crisis,” he said.
The Congress leader said that during his week-long stay in the state, he will be travelling in both hill and valley areas, leading the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign.
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The Congress on January 3 announced the nationwide campaign from January 10 to February 25 to demand the withdrawal of the VB G-RAM-G Act, restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based law, the right to work, and the authority of panchayats.
