The Congress on Wednesday held the central government responsible for the ongoing violence in Manipur, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah due to his “complete failure” in controlling the situation. The party also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for neglecting the state, accusing him of being more focused on international conflicts than addressing the unrest at home.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Manipur Congress chief K Meghachandra, Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam, and AICC in-charge of Manipur Girish Chodankar, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed frustration over the Prime Minister’s inaction. “Manipur has been burning for the past 16 months, but the Prime Minister hasn’t found a single minute to visit the state,” Shrinate said. She also noted that her leader Rahul Gandhi had visited the state three times, urging for peace, while questioning Modi’s absence. “Why shouldn’t there be an inquiry into the PM and the PMO? Why shouldn’t the Home Minister be dismissed for his utter failure?” she added.
Shrinate questioned what has kept the Prime Minister from visiting Manipur, citing former Governor Anusuiya Uikey, who claimed the people of the state are still waiting for Modi. “The Prime Minister has traveled abroad numerous times, but somehow can’t find the time to visit Manipur,” Shrinate remarked. Accusing Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh of being a “puppet of Delhi,” Shrinate said he is now merely pretending to speak up for the state. “For 16 months, Manipur has burned under the Chief Minister’s watch, and despite his recent claims, his role as a puppet to Delhi is clear,” she added.
Shrinate further alleged that former Manipur Governor Uikey was removed after warning of the state’s dire situation and was replaced by a “half-time governor.”
Inner Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam stated that the scale of violence in Manipur is unprecedented in post-independence India. “The constitutional system has collapsed entirely, with over 60,000 people displaced, and the situation is reminiscent of a partition. Our Prime Minister seems more focused on international conflicts than on crises within the country. It’s as if he doesn’t even consider Manipur part of India,” he said.
Akoijam described the ongoing violence as both a human tragedy and an institutional collapse, and questioned the Prime Minister’s state of mind, suggesting a potential “psychological breakdown.” He also blamed the Indian government for the subversion of the Constitution and the Manipur tragedy.
K Meghachandra, the Manipur Congress chief, noted that the turmoil has been ongoing since May 3, 2023, with a significant escalation since September 1. He reported the use of advanced weaponry, including drones, RPGs, and bombings, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and many hospitalizations. “Students have also been protesting against the government,” he said.
Meghachandra highlighted that over 60,000 people remain in relief camps, hundreds have died, and the Prime Minister continues to ignore the crisis. He also pointed to the state’s severe economic issues, noting that inflation in Manipur is at 10.7%, the highest in the country, driven in part by the blockade of the state’s two national highways since May 2023.
Meghachandra further questioned the Central government’s roadmap for resolving the situation and demanded clarity on the steps being taken.
