New delhi :The Indian National Congress on Monday sharpened its attack on the Union government over the continuing violence in Manipur, pressing for immediate compensation for victims, a comprehensive economic package, and urgent steps to restore normalcy through dialogue.

Addressing a press conference, Inner Manipur MP A. Bimol Akoijam said the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) had submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, outlining a series of demands aimed at addressing the prolonged crisis.

The Congress called for the swift completion of investigations into recent killings, strict action against those responsible for violence, and concrete measures to “restore and strengthen law and order” in the state. It also sought safe and unhindered access for residents to their homes and essential services, along with the publication of findings from the inquiry into the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.

“Justice must be delivered and adequate compensation provided to the victims,” the memorandum stated, while also urging the Centre to initiate a structured dialogue involving all stakeholders to pave the way for lasting peace.

Among its other demands, the party proposed deferring the census exercise until “a clear legal framework to distinguish citizens from non-citizens is established,” signalling concerns over demographic and administrative complexities in the state.

Akoijam said the ground situation remained largely unchanged despite the passage of time. “It is more or less the same. Things are not normal,” he said, accusing both the Centre and the state government of failing to act responsibly. “Whatever happens in the state is the responsibility of the government, but they have not shown responsible behaviour.”

He stressed that the Union government must demonstrate political will to curb violence and rein in armed groups. “The government of India must act decisively to control the situation. No individual or group should be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, adding that clarity and honesty were essential in addressing the complexities of Manipur’s conflict.

The Congress leader also reiterated the demand for the immediate release of the inquiry report into the violence, with accountability fixed on those responsible. “The findings must be made public as soon as possible,” he said.

In a sharp criticism of the Centre’s approach, Akoijam alleged that Manipur “has been burning for the last three years,” accusing the leadership of neglecting the state. He pointed out that the prime minister had not visited Manipur since the violence began. “Even a brief stop in Imphal to review the situation would have sent a strong message. This continued absence reflects a careless attitude towards the suffering of the people,” he said.

Referring to a recent incident on April 7 in Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district, Akoijam said a suspected projectile attack-reportedly involving a rocket-propelled grenade-killed two children and injured their mother. “An explosion tore through their bedroom. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the lives lost over the past three years,” he said, adding that it would be “misleading to claim that violence has decreased.”

He further criticised what he described as the Centre’s silence on the situation. “Neither the prime minister nor the home minister has made any statement,” he said, alleging that the government was instead focused on legislative priorities and delimitation exercises that could “weaken marginalised states like Manipur.”

Raising constitutional concerns, Akoijam alleged that so-called “buffer zones” had been created without legal backing and claimed he was prevented by security forces from visiting parts of his own constituency despite the absence of any formal order. He termed the situation “unconstitutional” and described the response of security forces to the April 7 attack as delayed and inadequate, calling it “a serious administrative failure.”

Earlier this month, two children were killed and their mother injured in a bomb attack in Bishnupur district, intensifying concerns over the deteriorating security situation.

State Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh said party leaders had recently met the governor to highlight the worsening conditions. “Many innocent lives that could have been saved have been lost,” he said, urging immediate intervention to restore peace and stability in the state.