CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE

IMPHAL: Former Sagolband MLA Kh Loken on Sunday alleged that the newly formed BJP-led government in Manipur exists only in name and lacks real authority, while people continue to live without freedom of movement amid the ongoing conflict.

He made the remarks during a youth interaction programme organised by Sagolband Youth Congress Committee at his Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai residence. Loken said that the state has been facing a severe crisis for nearly three years, during which President’s Rule was imposed for about a year before the present government led by chief minister Y Khemchand took office.

He noted that despite completing around two months in power, the government has failed to take concrete steps to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs), which remains a key public expectation.

Expressing dissatisfaction, Loken said that the government has not even expanded its council of ministers and continues to offer vague assurances of “trying hard” when questioned.

People had placed high hopes on the new leadership but are left as mere spectators, he said adding that the existence of a BJP-led government without real power is unfortunate.

Loken further cautioned that critical issues are being ignored and warned that the state would suffer if they are not addressed in time. He raised concerns over reports that the Census may begin from September and questioned how such an exercise could be conducted under the present situation.

Even the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which the CM cited as a precursor, cannot be carried out effectively amid displacement and instability, the former MLA maintained. Highlighting practical challenges, he said that many people are living in relief camps and cannot be properly accounted for.

He also flagged concerns over illegal influx in border areas, stating that conducting a Census without identifying such entries would be flawed. He questioned how enumeration could be carried out in places where villages no longer exist.

He urged political parties and civil society organisations to appeal to the home ministry to defer the Census until normalcy is restored.

The exMLA said that both displaced persons and those residing in their homes are living under restricted conditions, akin to relief camps, and stressed that the government must consult stakeholders before taking any decision affecting the state’s future.