NEW DELHI, Dec 15: During the ongoing debate on the Constitution in Lok Sabha on Saturday, Congress Member of Parliament Alfred Arthur Kanngam questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting violence-hit Manipur, despite the ongoing unrest for over 19 months. Arthur, began his speech by highlighting the historical significance of his village, Shangshak Phunghon, during World War II in 1944, and the lack of proper representation for the area during the making of the Indian Constitution in 1950. He emphasized that pluralism is the core of India as a nation.
Arthur also criticized the government’s handling of other instances of violence, invoking the 2021 Nagaland killings of six civilians by armed forces. He accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of failing to take responsibility for the deaths and said, “This country should hang its head in shame.”
Turning to the violence in Manipur, Arthur reminded the House of the brutal clashes that erupted on May 3, 2023, and the ongoing situation since then. He questioned the government’s inaction, particularly pointing out that Prime Minister Modi had not yet visited Manipur. “Why is it that till today my Prime Minister, someone who this nation believes and someone who I also wish to believe, has not answered the people of Manipur?” he asked, demanding justice for the victims. “Is it too much to ask for me on behalf of people who elected me?” he said in a passionate plea.
Arthur also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the people in Manipur, asking, “Is my nation so weak that you cannot protect lives and properties of people in Manipur?”
This is not the first time Arthur has raised this issue. In an emotionally charged speech on July 30, 2024, Arthur had previously urged Prime Minister Modi to visit the violence-hit state, asking, “Can you not hear the cries of the women and children who cannot return to their homes?”
The debate in Lok Sabha comes amid ongoing political tensions, with both the ruling BJP and opposition lawmakers exchanging sharp criticisms. The discussion is set against the backdrop of a bitter political face-off, with the opposition INDIA bloc moving a motion seeking the removal of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. The debate was initiated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, and Prime Minister Modi is expected to respond to the debate today.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also raised concerns about the Indian Constitution, invoking the writings of Veer Savarkar and criticizing the BJP for attacking the Constitution. He said, “We want to tell every poor person that you are protected by Constitution,” contrasting it with the BJP’s ideological stance.
The ongoing Winter Session of Parliament began on November 25 and is scheduled to conclude on December 20.
