Over Rs 16 crore paid to Manipur militant groups ahead of elections, alleges Jairam Ramesh

Former union minister and Congress's Observer for Manipur, Jairam Ramesh alleged that Rs 16.63 Crore were paid to militant groups under Suspension of Operation in Manipur in the run up to the polls.

Alleging that this was done to influence the voters. Addressing media persons in Imphal on Thursday, he said in a shocking violation of the Model of Conduct the Union Home Ministry & BJP State Government in Manipur released Rs 15.7 crores on 1.2.22 & further Rs 92.7 lakhs on 1.3.22 to banned militant groups under Suspension of Operation(SoO). This has made a mockery of elections in 4 districts.”

“These payments have ensured that elections in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts in the first phase on February 28 have not been free, fair and peaceful. These bribes to banned militant groups under the Suspension of Operation would also influence the elections in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts in the second phase on March 5,” the Congress leader said.


State BJP President A. Sharda Devi said, “Congress is just saying anything to emphasise that Congress exists. They keep on making baseless allegations.”

Ramesh added, ”Such most unethical payments to the militant outfits were made when 6,000 mid-day meal cooks have not been paid for 18 months, when the majority of the former state government employees have not received their pensions in the last six months, when almost all pensioners have not received their retirement benefits.”

The Congress leader alleged that the BJP governments at the Center and the state using money power turned “Manipur into moneypur” and such a thing has not happened in the other parts of the country so far".

In 14 designated camps in the hill districts around 2,000 cadres of various militant outfits are there.

On February 26, Under Suspension of Operation (SoO) militant outfit, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) resolved to extend support to all the BJP candidates for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election. They have issued a statement to this effect.