Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has stated that the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha election underscored the rejection of violence in democracy and highlighted the inefficacy of using force in electoral processes.
Speaking at an event on Wednesday to honor INC’s victorious candidates Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and Alfred K Arthur at Congress Bhawan, Singh emphasized that the long-standing belief that violence and coercion have no place in democracy was definitively proven in Manipur’s recent elections for both the Inner and Outer parliamentary constituencies.
Singh revealed that the INDIA bloc alliance partners had decided before the election to contest without resorting to financial inducements, aiming to set a new precedent in Manipur politics.
Accordingly, the INDIA bloc urged voters to accept any money offered by wealthy candidates but not to support them with their votes. Singh asserted that the success of the INC candidates in both parliamentary constituencies of Manipur was a clear victory for democratic values.
Addressing the ongoing violence in Manipur, Singh called for urgent resolution of the crisis to restore peace and normalcy.
He urged security forces to provide maximum protection to minority communities in their home regions during conflicts, whether in Moreh, Churachandpur, or Imphal.
Singh criticized the initial response of security forces, who evacuated Meeteis from Kuki-dominated areas like Moreh and Churachandpur and Kukis from Imphal, instead of ensuring their safety in their respective localities. He argued that the violence would not have persisted if minorities had been fully protected in their original settlements.
Regarding the issue of illegal arms in both the valley and hills, Singh suggested that the Indian government could easily stop the violence through effective military operations.
However, he expressed suspicion of a hidden agenda, implying that the Indian government might be allowing armed groups to operate freely to achieve ulterior motives or to enjoy the resulting chaos and bloodshed in the state.
MPCC President K Meghachandra, speaking at the same event, thanked the people of Manipur for electing INC candidates in both the Inner and Outer parliamentary constituencies.
He assured that the elected MPs would work towards bringing peace and stability to the state.
CWC member Gaikhangam, also in attendance, remarked that the success of the INC candidates in the election not only represented a victory for truth but also reflected public dissatisfaction with the current regime and a desire for change in the state.
He expressed hope that the elected MPs would take on their responsibilities to rebuild Manipur and promote peace and harmony among its diverse communities.
The event was also attended by Congress MLAs and leaders of the INDIA bloc, including CPI leader Dr. M. Nara, among others.
