Congress leaders accused BJP of "shunning" Manipur state amid ongoing ethnic violence and calling Amit Shah a “big failure” failure for not maintaining peace in the region
Representational Image Pic/PTI
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, on Saturday strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of failing to restore peace in Manipur despite holding power with a clear mandate since February 2022. He pointed out that exactly a year after the BJP’s victory, the state plunged into ethnic violence on May 3, 2023.
“What began on May 3, 2023, was the self-dictated, self-directed derailment of the so-called double-engine sarkar in the state,” Ramesh wrote on X, as reported by PTI. “Three months later, the Supreme Court was compelled to declare that there had been an absolute breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state.”
Opposition leaders have condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing to "shun" Manipur, and labeled Union Home Minister Amit Shah a “big failure” in handling the crisis, which has persisted for over a year. Since the outbreak of violence, more than 220 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ongoing clashes between the Meitei community from the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribes from the surrounding hill regions.
“The anguish and suffering of Manipur continues. Political games are being played. No meaningful reconciliation process is underway. Over 60,000 internally displaced persons are still living in relief camps under conditions of great distress,” Ramesh said, citing PTI.
He further alleged that the Modi government acted only under political pressure and the threat of a no-confidence motion in the state assembly, which eventually led to the resignation of the Chief Minister.
Ramesh also criticized Prime Minister Modi for his continued absence from the state. “Most importantly, the PM continues to avoid and shun Manipur. He has not met anyone from the state. He has traveled across the globe but hasn’t found the time, inclination, or sensitivity to visit the troubled state and reach out to its people,” he said.
On February 13, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, following over two years of prolonged unrest and communal tensions.
“Manipur deserves better. The people of the state are still waiting for the PM to visit Imphal, tour the beautiful state, and extend a healing touch, at least to the extent that he is capable of,” the Congress leader added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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