Former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh condemns recent killings in Kangpokpi and Noney, says law and order machinery has “completely failed” in the conflict-hit state
Imphal: Indian National Congress’s Manipur unit on Thursday criticised both the state and Central governments over the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur, alleging serious failures in governance and law enforcement.
The remarks came a day after fresh violence claimed the lives of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district and another civilian in Noney district, with the latter suspected to be a retaliatory killing.
Addressing a press conference, former Manipur chief minister O. Ibobi Singh strongly condemned the incidents and expressed concern over the worsening security situation.
“This kind of communal tension between communities over the past three years is deeply unfortunate, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Singh said.
He further alleged that the administration had failed to restore peace in the state. “The law-and-order machinery in Manipur has completely failed. The Supreme Court itself had observed that the government cannot escape its responsibility to protect the lives and property of citizens,” he stated.
Singh also questioned the Centre’s response to the prolonged unrest, claiming that communities had effectively been left to deal with the violence on their own.
Appealing for restraint, the Congress leader urged all sides to avoid retaliatory attacks, warning that revenge-driven violence would only deepen the crisis.
Ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have continued in Manipur since May 2023, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
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