NEW DELHI, Jan 4: Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday, accusing the party of having vested interests in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur. His remarks came after fresh violence erupted in the Kangpokpi district on Friday, further exacerbating the state’s fragile situation.
Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his prolonged absence from Manipur since the crisis began in May 2023. He noted that the Prime Minister’s last visit to the state was in January 2022 during the election campaign. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Kharge pointed to satellite images revealing the destruction of entire villages and stated that the violence has persisted for more than 600 days, resulting in over 250 deaths and 60,000 people being displaced.
The Congress leader alleged that the BJP is deliberately keeping the state unstable, calling the party “the matchstick which burnt Manipur.” He emphasized that thousands remain in relief camps even after 20 months, reflecting the government’s failure to address the crisis. Kharge accused the Prime Minister of ignoring repeated appeals from opposition parties to visit Manipur, hold discussions with political leaders in Delhi, and directly intervene in resolving the unrest.
Kharge also took aim at Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, describing him as “incompetent and shameless” for failing to manage the crisis. Singh had recently expressed regret over the violence, apologizing to the people of Manipur for the prolonged unrest. “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I really feel regret,” Singh had stated.
Friday’s violence in Kangpokpi district saw a mob storming the office of the Superintendent of Police, reportedly over the officer’s failure to withdraw central forces from Saibol village near the Imphal East border. Several people were injured during the incident.
