In today's press conference at Congress Bhawan, Imphal, Manipur Keisham Meghachandra Singh, President of the Manipur Congress, alongside office bearers of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), raised serious concerns over the financial dealings of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government. The Congress leaders highlighted that the BJP government had made a payment of Rs. 27.38 crore in December 2022 to SoO (Suspension of Operations) groups, which is now under scrutiny according to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Report.
Singh condemned the BJP government for continuing to fund such groups, despite the Manipur Legislative Assembly's resolution in February 2024 to abrogate SoO agreements. He pointed out the state's Cabinet decision to follow suit by discontinuing the SoO groups. Yet, in July 2024, the BJP government reportedly allocated Rs. 6.27 crore to the Hmar People's Convention (Democratic), a group listed under the SoO framework.
According to Singh, this payment is a direct contradiction to the state’s legislative and cabinet resolutions and could fuel the already escalating violence in the region. "The BJP government’s actions are nothing but adding more fuel to the burning violence in Manipur. The financial support to these groups not only undermines the peace process but also raises serious questions about the government's commitment to maintaining law and order," he said.
The Congress also called for a thorough investigation into these financial transactions, demanding transparency from the BJP government regarding the nature of these payments and the rationale behind such decisions, given the state's volatile situation.
The controversy over funding the SoO groups comes at a critical time for Manipur, where tensions continue to simmer, and peace efforts are urgently needed. The Congress party has vowed to continue to press for accountability and transparency, urging the BJP government to clarify its stance on the ongoing issue. (PR)