Imphal: The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday called for the dissolution of the state assembly and fresh elections, asserting that this was the only way to restore peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.
State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra said the continuing crisis had exposed the failure of the present political arrangement to address the concerns and aspirations of the people.
Speaking to reporters in Imphal, he said that while the rest of the country was ushering in the New Year with celebrations, Manipur continued to remain under the shadow of conflict.
“For the welfare of the people and for lasting peace, the only solution is to dissolve the present assembly and seek a fresh mandate.
This is the only way peace and normalcy can return to Manipur,” he said, adding that the ongoing situation reflected the inability of the current dispensation to resolve the deep-rooted crisis.
Meghachandra also expressed hope that the New Year would bring justice, clarity and a people-driven political change that could pave the way for lasting peace in the state.
Responding to the Congress demand, BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro said Manipur had witnessed several festivals and community celebrations in recent months, including the Sangai Festival, Orange Festival, Christmas and the Meitei community’s Emoinu Festival.
He appealed to people across communities to move past differences and misunderstandings and work towards restoring peace, harmony and cordial relations in the New Year.
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Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of former chief minister N Biren Singh on February 9 amid prolonged ethnic violence.
More than 260 people have been killed since clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May 2023.
The 60-member state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been kept under suspended animation.
Since the imposition of President’s Rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has initiated several measures aimed at restoring normalcy, including appeals for the surrender of weapons looted from security forces.
The violence began after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status, triggering widespread unrest across the state.
