Congress Seeks Manipur CM’s Exit, Fresh Polls

The Congress on Sunday demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, dissolution of the Assembly and fresh elections in the wake of renewed violence in the state.

Congress Manipur in-charge and MP Saptagiri Ulaka also called for immediate protection of civilians belonging to all communities, time-bound investigations into incidents of violence and a roadmap for peace and rehabilitation.

Addressing a press conference with Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba, Ulaka said thousands of people had protested across five districts on October 23, banging drums and utensils and marching towards Lok Bhavan. He alleged that police used batons and tear gas against the protesters.

He said three Meitei civilians collecting firewood in a forest were killed on October 19, following which protesters took their bodies to the Chief Minister's residence demanding justice.

Similar incidents involving the deaths of Kuki and Naga civilians were reported from Kamjong, he said.

"The entire state is burning, and both the Centre and state governments are responsible," Ulaka alleged.

He claimed that around 300 people had been killed and 60,000 displaced since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, with 24,000 people still displaced.

The Congress leader demanded strict enforcement and review of the suspension of operations ground rules, action against violations, restoration of free movement and safe rehabilitation of displaced families.

He said the government must establish accountability for killings, firing, arson and destruction of civilian property.

Lamba, who visited Manipur from October 1 to 4, alleged that the BJP government had failed to contain violence or punish those responsible.

She criticised the Centre for failing to restore peace despite repeated appeals.