Manipur Congress president and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh accused the state government of failing to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order.
Ibobi made the remarks on September 17 at a Congress programme in Imphal. The event welcomed former Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh and other new members into the party.
Ibobi said law and order remains a state subject and alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its responsibilities since ethnic violence began in May 2023.
His comments came amid fresh violence in parts of Manipur. Six people, including four women, were killed in separate incidents in Tamenglong and Noney districts in recent days.
Criticism Linked to Violence Since 2023
Ibobi referred to the ethnic conflict that began in May 2023. He argued that the state government should have acted more effectively during the initial months of the violence.
According to Ibobi, the Centre should have allowed the state government two to three months to restore normalcy. He said that after the state administration failed to achieve that goal, alternative measures should have been adopted to restore peace.
He also criticised the Centre for what he described as inadequate efforts to bring the situation under control.
The former Chief Minister’s comments represent the Congress’s political assessment of the government’s handling of the prolonged conflict.
President’s Rule Was Imposed in 2025
Manipur came under President’s Rule in February 2025 following the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
President’s Rule continued until February 2026. A new elected government then took office under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Ibobi referred to this period while discussing the state’s prolonged security crisis.
He argued that the authorities should have developed stronger mechanisms to restore normalcy after the initial failure to contain the violence.
Fresh Violence Raises Security Concerns
Ibobi’s remarks came shortly after several violent incidents in Manipur.
Recent attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts resulted in six deaths, according to reports. The incidents involved armed attackers and added to security concerns in the state.
Earlier in September, other violent incidents also occurred in parts of Manipur. Reports said four people were killed in separate attacks on Kuki settlements in Tamenglong district on September 13.
These incidents have kept security and law-and-order issues at the centre of public and political discussions.
State Government Reviews Security Situation
Ibobi’s criticism came on the same day that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh chaired a high-level security coordination meeting in Imphal.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing law-and-order situation and discussed measures to maintain peace and normalcy. Officials also examined newly identified vulnerable areas and possible deployment of additional security personnel.
The meeting included Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Mukesh Singh.
Senior officers from the Assam Rifles and CRPF also participated in the discussions.
Security of Infrastructure Projects Also Discussed
The Chief Minister’s security meeting also examined security arrangements for infrastructure projects.
With the working season approaching, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited and its contractors are preparing to intensify construction work over the coming months.
Khemchand Singh directed security agencies to provide necessary support so that ongoing infrastructure projects can continue without disruption.
The government has therefore linked security arrangements with both public safety and the continuation of development projects.
Ibobi Also Criticises Central Government
Ibobi’s criticism was not limited to the Manipur government.
He also alleged that the Centre had failed to make adequate efforts to restore peace in the state. He questioned why stronger measures were not adopted after the state government failed to restore normalcy during the early stages of the conflict.
His remarks reflect the Congress position that both the state and Central governments share responsibility for the continuing security situation.
The BJP-led governments have faced repeated criticism from opposition parties over the handling of the Manipur conflict.
Former Chief Secretary Joins Congress
The Congress programme also saw the entry of former Manipur Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh into the party.
His joining came during the event where Ibobi addressed party workers and new members.
The development adds an administrative figure to the Congress organisation in the state. The party has continued to raise issues related to governance, security and the prolonged conflict.
Law and Order Remains a Major Challenge
The latest political exchange comes as authorities continue efforts to manage security across Manipur.
The state government has increased attention to vulnerable areas and security deployment. At the same time, opposition leaders continue to question the effectiveness of the government’s approach.
The Supreme Court has also recently expressed concern over reports of unnatural deaths among internally displaced people living in relief camps and sought a detailed response from the Union and Manipur governments.
These developments show that security and the condition of conflict-affected communities remain major issues in Manipur.
Political Debate Continues Over Manipur’s Crisis
Ibobi’s latest remarks have added to the political debate over responsibility for Manipur’s prolonged unrest.
He accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order and also criticised the Centre’s response. The government, meanwhile, has continued security reviews and measures aimed at identifying vulnerable areas and protecting infrastructure.
The two sides therefore present different assessments of the situation. Congress has focused on alleged administrative failures, while the state government has highlighted ongoing security measures and efforts to restore normalcy.
With fresh incidents continuing to raise concerns, law and order remains a key issue for Manipur’s government, opposition parties and residents affected by the conflict.