IMPHAL: A protest rally organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) towards Congress Bhavan in Imphal turned tense on Friday, triggering a clash between police and BJP youth protesters as security personnel attempted to control the situation amid a growing political confrontation over allegations against Inner Manipur MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
The BJYM protesters raised slogans including “We Want Justice” and “Congress Party Ekaiba Khangu, Maral Leiba Mi Kankhatkanu,” demanding that the Congress MP prove his innocence through the legal process.
As the BJP youth protesters reached Congress Bhavan, Congress supporters staged a counter-protest at the gate, holding placards bearing slogans such as “Save Democracy,” “Save Manipur” and “Save Constitution.” The face-off between the two groups heightened tensions, prompting police to intervene to maintain law and order.
Speaking during the protest, BJYM leader Deshraj Yumnam questioned the time taken by Dr Akoijam to establish his innocence. He maintained that the issue should be addressed through the court of law, irrespective of political affiliations, and said the MP should prove his innocence as a Manipuri.
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Deshraj Yumnam claimed that Dr Akoijam had been given 90 days since May to prove his innocence, but around 160 days had passed without the matter being resolved. He also criticised the Manipur Congress and its national leadership for not issuing a statement on the issue, describing their silence as “condemnable and shameful.”
Reacting to the BJYM rally, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) leaders N. Popilal and Hareshwar Goshwami criticised the BJP for holding a protest outside Congress Bhavan, describing the move as “very funny.”
The Congress leaders questioned why the ruling party was directing its protest towards the Congress and asserted that the people of Manipur stood with MP Bimol Akoijam amid the ongoing controversy.