Bimol Akoijam questioned the delay in the Manipur violence inquiry, while Ram Madhav called for dialogue, peace and accountability to restore normalcy in the state.
New Delhi, Sept. 28: Congress Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam questioned the delay in the inquiry into the Manipur violence, while BJP national vice-president Ram Madhav called for dialogue and peace as the way forward during the “Manipur Way Ahead” session at The Conclave 2026, the fifth edition of the annual flagship two-day event hosted by Pratidin Media Network in New Delhi on Monday.
Bimol questioned the continued proceedings of the government-appointed inquiry into the violence, saying the investigation was initially expected to be completed within six months but was still continuing.
“The government had entrusted a group with the investigation. The investigation was supposed to be completed within six months. But even today, the investigation is continuing,” he said, adding, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Bimol also questioned the government’s response to the continuing violence and asked why the Centre had not been able to bring the situation under control.
“Who is stopping the Government of India from controlling the situation? Violence has been allowed to continue. The inquiry commission keeps extending its proceedings. Is the government not responsible for this?” he asked.
The Congress MP said his criticism was not directed at any particular political party but at what he described as a lack of accountability in dealing with issues concerning Manipur.
He also raised an issue he said he had taken up in Parliament regarding alleged illegal collection of money along highways in Manipur. Bimol said the concerned ministry was required to respond within 30 days but had not done so within the stipulated period. He added that he had written to the Speaker regarding the matter.
Bimol further criticised what he described as inadequate availability of information about Manipur and the Northeast. He said the region’s problems could not simply be treated as issues to be solved from Delhi.
Responding to him, Madhav rejected the suggestion that the government viewed Manipur or the Northeast in that manner. He said Manipur and its people were part of India and assured that questions raised by Bimol Akoijam in Parliament would receive a response.
Madhav said dialogue and peace were the only way forward for resolving the conflict.
“This is not a fight against an external enemy; it is an issue happening within our own community and within our own state,” he said.
He called for greater engagement among the different communities and referred to a tripartite dialogue held in Guwahati on Sunday, saying there had been developments that should be built upon.
Madhav acknowledged that violence was still being reported in some parts of Manipur, including the hills, but said the situation had improved compared with the previous year. He referred to clashes involving Kuki and Naga groups and said the situation continued to require attention.
He also said the government should ensure that its actions did not create further difficulties for civilians and agreed that the government had a responsibility to prevent violence from recurring.
Madhav rejected the suggestion that the continuation of violence meant the Centre wanted the conflict to remain unresolved, saying no government would want violent incidents to continue.
He stressed the need to prevent armed groups from moving freely with weapons and said groups carrying arms should remain inside designated camps. At the same time, he said security operations must ensure that innocent civilians were not harmed.
Madhav said the ultimate objective should be to create conditions where people from different communities can live without fear and Manipur can return to normalcy.
