Former Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh criticized the BJP government on education and governance issues. He targeted the central and state governments over the absence of a full-time education minister in the state and the frequent paper leaks in the country.
Imphal (Manipur) [भारत]July 19 (ANI): Manipur Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh on Sunday criticized the BJP-led governments at the Center and the state for their handling of education, governance and law and order issues. He said it was “unfortunate” that Manipur still had no full-time education minister, and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was handling more than 20 departments.
Government cornered over paper leak and absence of education minister
Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhawan in Imphal, the former Manipur chief minister also referred to the recent ‘Students’ Echo’ protest led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi against the recurring exam paper leaks across the country. He said the Congress shares Rahul Gandhi’s concern that the BJP-led NDA government has failed to protect the future of millions of students.
Singh claimed that since the BJP came to power at the Center in 2014, more than 150 exam papers, including the NEET exam, have been leaked, severely impacting the aspirations of students. He further alleged that many young candidates have taken their own lives due to frustration arising from repeated irregularities in the examination system.
“The government cannot escape its responsibility,” Ibobi Singh said, adding that those accountable for these failures, including the Union Education Minister, should take moral responsibility and resign. Describing education as the backbone of the society and the foundation of the future of the young generation, the former Chief Minister expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated Education Minister in Manipur. “It is unfortunate that Manipur still has no full-time education minister,” he said.
Questions raised on administrative capacity
He also criticized the functioning of the BJP-led Manipur government and pointed out that the Council of Ministers has not been expanded even after several months of assuming office. According to him, the Chief Minister is handling more than 20 departments, raising serious questions on the administrative efficiency of the government. He questioned, “How can one person manage so many departments effectively? What can people expect from such a government?”
Calling for political change in the state, Ibobi stressed that Manipur can move forward only by defeating the current government.
Demand for justice on killing of Naga civilians
The Congress leader also raised the issue of justice for the six Naga civilians whose bodies were recovered on June 10. He said the bereaved families were waiting for justice and urged the government to identify and punish those responsible for the killings.
“The families are crying and waiting for justice. The rule of law must be upheld and those responsible must be brought to justice,” he said, expressing hope that the families of the victims would eventually get justice. The bodies of six Naga men, who were missing since May 13 after allegedly being abducted from Lilong Vafei village, were found in June. Later, the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribes had acknowledged that members of their community were responsible for the abduction and killing of six Naga civilians and formally apologized. (ANI)
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