Congress targets Modi over Manipur, says violence continues despite President’s Rule

The Congress party targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday over the ongoing violence in Manipur, stating that the situation has not improved despite the Centre extending President’s Rule to the state. This criticism comes on the second anniversary of the ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei people and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticised the Prime Minister, saying, “Manipur observes two years of violence without the Prime Minister setting foot on its soil.” He highlighted that the violence began on May 3, 2023, and continues to this day, with 25 persons injured in a recent clash.

The party reported that over 260 people have died, 68,000 have been displaced, and thousands are still living in relief camps. Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, noting that since January 2022, Modi has made 44 foreign visits and 250 domestic visits but has not visited Manipur.

Kharge asked, “Why this apathy and disdain for the people of Manipur? Where is the political accountability?” He criticised the government for failing in its constitutional duty to provide security and safety, pointing out that the demand for President’s Rule came from the people of Manipur themselves.

Kharge further accused the government of incompetence, stating, “Your ‘double-engine’ government failed to provide security, and your ‘double assault’ government is still failing Manipur.” He expressed frustration over the continued violence despite the Home Ministry’s rule and questioned the late-night passing of the President’s Rule resolution.

Referring to the losses suffered by Manipur’s economy, he said, “Manipur’s economy has incurred losses amounting to thousands of crores. The demand for grants for the state that you presented in the Parliament included several social spending cuts. What happened to the peace committee announced by the Home Minister? Why didn’t you meet the affected people from all communities, even in Delhi? Why didn’t you announce a special package for the state? Modi ji, once again, you have failed to uphold ‘Rajdharma’.”

India