IMPHAL: In view of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, the state unit of the BJP has expressed uncertainty regarding the implementation of Article 355 in the state.
The party has approached the national president, JP Nadda, urging him to revoke the said article if in force and to hand back full command of the unified command to the state’s chief minister. They believe that this move would reinstate public confidence and faith in the government’s capacity to address the prevailing challenges.
BJP Manipur Pradesh, led by state president A Sharda Devi, presented an 8-point memorandum to Nadda, outlining a set of requests and demands tied to the present situation in Manipur.
Article 355, within the Constitution of India, outlines the responsibility of the Union to safeguard each State against external threats and internal disruptions, while also ensuring that the governance in every State adheres to the principles laid out in the Constitution. This provision is situated within Part XVIII of the Constitution of India, specifically spanning Articles 352 to 360, where emergency provisions are delineated.
Prominent signatories included party vice presidents L Meenabanta Singh, N Nimbus Singh, Ch Chidananda Singh, and general secretaries L Deben Singh, P Premananda Meitei, K Sarathkumar Singh, as well as party spokesperson Elangbam Johnson.
One of the paramount concerns voiced in the memorandum was the need to ensure the unhindered flow of traffic along the state’s two national highways. The state BJP insists on leveraging all resources to maintain this, even if it means arresting those causing disturbances.
Equally pressing was the demand for the swift resettlement of displaced individuals. The memorandum urged for their return to their original homes and ensuring they receive promised governmental assistance, including compensation for damaged properties and ex-gratia for those injured or deceased.
The party also underscored the importance of adhering to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules. Violations of these rules should be classified as acts of terrorism and be responded to accordingly by both the central and state governments.
In light of the recent state crisis, the party also sought support for Moirangthem Anand Singh’s release from the NIA. Further, they expressed the need to eradicate all poppy cultivation in the state and proposed the establishment of a joint monitoring committee, inclusive of civil society representatives, for continuous vigilance.
Finally, the memorandum highlighted the necessity to inform the Ministry of Home Affairs about the biometric data collection of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, aiming for the early implementation of the NRC in Manipur. It concluded with a plea to PM Narendra Modi to meet the joint MLAs currently in New Delhi and to duly acknowledge the aspirations of the Manipuri people.
