Ibobi Singh gambling away Manipuri lives: BJP’s Ram Madhav

GUWAHATI: With United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored economic blockade unceasing in Manipur, BJP’s national general secretary Ram Madhav on Monday said the Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh is playing gamble with the lives of people in the valley for electoral gains and some votes.

Congress government’s decision of creation of seven new districts in Manipur has invited economic blockade from UNC since November 1. UNC feels this is encroachment on its ancestral land.

Last week there were violence and curfew was clamped in Imphal afterprotesters angry with prolonged blockade torched several vehicles, two churches were also set ablaze.

Madhav, who is also general secretary in charge of Northeast India said, “Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh is playing gamble with the lives of people in the valley. Ibobi is playing politics for electoral gains and some votes.

He said, “Government of India has extended all support and requisite central forces. Forces were available with the state government they could have used it. Centre is in constant touch with the state government and Union minister of state for Home affairs, Kiren Rijiju visited Imphal recently and asked the state government to clear the blockade.”

When asked if Centre is considering clamping President’s rule in Manipur, Madhav said, “Right now we are pushing the state government to clear the blockade.”

Manipur is reeling under acute shortage of essential commodities, fuel and medicines.

State government has asked the UNC that it is ready for discussion however it has to first lift the blockade and discussion will take place in Imphal or New Delhi not in Senapati as sought by UNC.