Manipur MP Decries Rehabilitation Package as ‘Humiliation’

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Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam has sharply criticized the ₹500 crore rehabilitation package for Manipur, stating that the amount is insufficient and “adds to the humiliation” of the people affected by the ongoing crisis. In an interview, the newly elected MP emphasized the need for a much larger economic package to address the widespread destruction and displacement that have plagued the state for months. His comments follow the Lok Sabha’s passing of the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Manipur Appropriation (No. 2) Bill without debate, a move Akoijam called “unfortunate.”

The MP’s strong words come as the state and central governments work to implement a three-phase rehabilitation plan. The plan, which includes a target to close all relief camps by December, offers financial assistance for rebuilding homes. However, Akoijam argues that the government’s approach is piecemeal and fails to address the constitutional and governance crisis at the heart of the issue. He asserted that the crisis has deeply affected every aspect of life in Manipur, and its economy will take decades to recover without “substantial support” from the central government.

The core of Akoijam’s argument is that the government has a moral and constitutional responsibility to listen to the people of Manipur. He stated that the passing of key bills without discussion in Parliament is a reflection of the “overall orientation and response of the Government of India” to the crisis. The MP also pushed back against remarks made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who accused the Opposition of shedding “crocodile tears” for Manipur. Akoijam called this rhetoric trivializing, arguing that it was a way to bulldoze the budget through Parliament without proper discussion.

Akoijam’s stance is a clear demand for greater accountability and a more comprehensive strategy. He has consistently highlighted the lack of a political initiative and socio-economic measures to address the root causes of the violence. The MP’s comments underscore the deep-seated frustration felt by many in Manipur who believe their voices are not being heard in the nation’s capital. He stressed that a small rehabilitation package does not reflect the scale of the damage and the profound impact on the lives of thousands of displaced individuals.