Lok Sabha MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must apologise to the people of Manipur if he visits the State, as speculated.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 11th Heikru Heedongba Heeyang Tannaba (ritualistic boat race) organised by the Ema Emoinu Thougal Thousil Kanglup, Kangleipak at Lamlai Salampat, Dr. Bimol said the Prime Minister should first seek an apology for failing to address the crisis that has persisted in Manipur for over two years.
Notably, Modi has not visited Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, despite repeated appeals from Opposition parties and civil society organisations (CSOs).
Describing the situation as “unprecedented and one of the worst crises” in Manipur’s history, Dr. Bimol highlighted the large-scale displacement and loss of lives. He likened the current turmoil to being worse than the infamous Chahi Taret Khuntakpa period, while stressing that the Meetei community today cannot move freely within its own State.
He also urged the people of Manipur to remain united during this critical juncture. At the same time, he called for the promotion of indigenous sports, describing them as the foundation of modern sports.
The ‘Heeyang Tannaba’ witnessed the participation of 24 panas, including 12 women’s teams. Congress MLAs Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh and Okram Surjakumar, along with other INC candidates from the 2022 Assembly elections, also attended the event.
