Congress Leader Lambasts Union Budget for Overlooking Manipur's Humanitarian Emergency
Imphal: In a scathing critique of the recently presented Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, Keisham Meghachandra Singh, the president of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), has accused the central government of completely ignoring the prolonged humanitarian crisis gripping the state of Manipur. Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan in Imphal on Tuesday, Singh expressed deep disappointment over the budget's failure to allocate any special support for relief, rehabilitation, or reconstruction efforts in the violence-affected region.
Budget's Silence on Manipur's Plight Draws Sharp Rebuke
Singh highlighted that despite the budget's massive size of approximately Rs 53.5 lakh crore, it displayed a conspicuous lack of intent and sensitivity toward Manipur. The state has been enduring severe violence, widespread displacement, and significant economic disruption for nearly three consecutive years. "At a critical juncture when Manipur is confronting mass displacement, profound social distress, and a complete economic breakdown, the people genuinely expected decisive national intervention. What we are witnessing instead is a deafening silence from the Centre," he stated emphatically.
Complete Absence of Special Measures for Rehabilitation
The MPCC president detailed how the budget document contained no mention of a special package tailored for Manipur, no dedicated reconstruction mission, no concrete resettlement plan for the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and no employment or livelihood roadmap for those whose lives have been upended. He argued that existing generic housing schemes are woefully inadequate, as comprehensive rehabilitation necessitates rebuilding entire villages from the ground up, restoring critical infrastructure, reviving local livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable access to essential services.
These services include:
- Healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- Road connectivity
- Reliable electricity supply
- Safe drinking water
"We are not merely asking for sympathy or charity. Manipur is rightfully demanding accountability and responsibility from the Union government," Singh asserted. He further warned that neglecting a sensitive border state like Manipur fundamentally undermines India's claim to being an inclusive and equitable nation.
Urgent Demands and Constitutional Concerns Raised
Singh put forth a clear set of demands, urging the Centre to immediately announce a special crisis package, a detailed peace and reconciliation roadmap, and a comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation plan specifically for Manipur. Shifting focus to the state's political landscape, he commented on the possibility of forming a new government, suggesting that such a move would largely depend on the directives of the BJP's central leadership.
However, he strongly alleged that any such formation under current circumstances would be "illegal and unconstitutional." He specifically referred to the Governor's notification dated February 9, which declared the summoning of the Manipur Legislative Assembly as null and void. Singh claimed this action blatantly violated constitutional provisions, particularly those enshrined under Article 174.
Skepticism Over New Government's Capability
Expressing deep skepticism, Singh also questioned whether any new government, formed amidst this constitutional and political turmoil, would possess the capability or the genuine will to restore lasting peace in the state or effectively rehabilitate the displaced population. He reiterated his doubts about the efficacy of a new administration in addressing the core humanitarian and developmental challenges that have plagued Manipur for years, emphasizing that the budget's neglect only compounds these existing problems.
