IMPHAL: The Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA) Kangleipak has demanded the immediate resignation of BJP Manipur Pradesh president A. Sarda Devi, accusing her of failing to protect the indigenous people of Manipur and taking no decisive action against seven Kuki BJP MLAs reportedly seeking a separate administration.
In a press release signed by its publicity secretary, Lamdamba Salam, WAMA questioned why Sarda Devi had not initiated disciplinary action, including expulsion from the party, against the seven MLAs over their reported demand for a separate administration from the Government of India.
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The organisation accused the BJP state president of prioritising party interests over the lives, security and political interests of the indigenous people, particularly amid the continuing violence and civilian casualties in Manipur since May 3, 2023.
Questioning her leadership and accountability, WAMA said Sarda Devi had failed to demonstrate decisive action against the MLAs despite the gravity of the situation. It maintained that a leader holding a responsible position must be answerable for her actions and response to a crisis affecting the lives and security of the people.
The organisation also referred to the alleged killing and mutilation of Naga civilians by Kuki militants and the deaths of three men from Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency, citing the incidents as reasons for serious concern over the prevailing security situation.
WAMA questioned how Sarda Devi could continue as the state BJP president while, according to the organisation, failing to safeguard the interests of the indigenous population. It asserted that if she was unable to protect the people and take action against party members accused of supporting a separate administration, she should step down without further delay.
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The organisation further stated that if restrictions on holding two positions simultaneously were affecting her ability to discharge her responsibilities effectively, she should relinquish the BJP state president’s post.
Highlighting growing public resentment, WAMA said women had been protesting against Sarda Devi at various locations, including burning her effigies. It said the protests reflected mounting anger over continued civilian killings and what it described as the failure of political leadership to ensure the safety of the people.
Reiterating its demand, WAMA said the protection of party interests must not take precedence over the lives and security of the indigenous people. It called for Sarda Devi’s immediate resignation and concrete measures to protect civilians, prevent further killings and restore lasting peace and security in Manipur.
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