Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) on Thursday came down heavily on the central and state governments over the handling of Manipur violence and demanded to impose President’s rule in the state. 

Speaking to Mathrubhumi News, KCBC spokesperson Fr Jacob Palackappilly opined, “If it was a conflict between two tribal groups, then there will not be a situation where only one group is attacked. People with vested interests and pre-planned agenda are acting behind the violence.” 

“If the state is unable to maintain law and order, then the Centre has the responsibility to dissolve the state government and impose President’s rule,” he added.

Earlier, metropolitan archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany also took a jibe at the central government over the Manipur violence and compared it with the 2002 Gujarat riots. 

Expressing concern over whether the riot would turn into a genocide, Pamplany opined that both the state and central governments failed to suppress the violence.