In a powerful maiden speech delivered on Tuesday, Alfred Kan-ngam S. Arthur, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Outer Manipur, launched a vehement critique of the central government over its handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Arthur also denounced the Union Budget for 2024-25, labeling it “anti-people” and failing to address the severe conditions in his state.

Addressing the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the national budget, Arthur expressed deep frustration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s perceived indifference towards the strife-torn state. “Modiji keeps saying, in fact, everyone in the BJP says, wherever Modi is, everything is possible. Wherever Modi is there will be justice? But where is the justice for Manipur? Where is the justice today?… We are not betrayers to this nation. We have helped build this nation,” Arthur stated, questioning the Prime Minister’s assurances of justice and progress.

Arthur underscored the economic distress faced by Manipur, which he described as having the lowest per capita income and the highest inflation in the country. Criticizing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget, he said, “My state has been in all the news for all the wrong reasons. For the past 15 months, I have gone through the budget that the finance minister has placed before this August house. I think she fails to understand that in this present juncture, Manipur is the lowest per capita income bearing state and the highest inflation. How do you expect a state that is lowest in income and paying highest prices to survive?” He further condemned the budget as “anti-people,” questioning the Finance Minister’s understanding of the state’s dire situation.

Arthur also highlighted the unprecedented floods that have devastated Manipur, labeling them the worst in the last 35 years. He expressed frustration with the Finance Minister’s response, noting her lack of acknowledgment of the Northeast’s challenges. “The finance minister, she grins from ear to ear. She smiles and she places a budget that is anti-people,” he remarked.

Arthur emphasized the dire need for intervention by the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding their visit to Manipur to address the ongoing grievances. “The Prime Minister is intelligent enough to understand that his fellow citizens in Manipur do not get proper food, thousands languishing in relief camps for the past 15 months. The Prime Minister and Home Minister must come to Manipur. We are all your fellow citizens. Why don’t you want to come to us?” he asked, criticizing the absence of Union Ministers in the state since the outbreak of conflict on May 3, 2023.

In his address, Arthur reflected on his family’s contributions to India, particularly his grand uncle Major Bob Khathing Ralengnao, who played a significant role in securing Tawang for the nation. “Today you are burning my state. Did he ever think that this nation would let go of his own people, whom he so fondly called his people and his nation?” he questioned.

Arthur reiterated his neutrality in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing his efforts to mediate peace through suggestions made to the Governor. He urged the government to act on these suggestions, stressing the need for a peaceful resolution. “I am from the Naga community in Manipur. We have stayed neutral to this conflict in letter and in spirit. We have not taken sides with anybody thinking that being neutral, we would one day usher in peace,” he said.

Arthur also criticized the central government for its perceived inaction, questioning, “Is it so difficult to replace one man and bring peace to our area?” He advocated for increased inclusion of the Northeast in the national tourism map, arguing that this could create job opportunities and reduce economic dependency on other regions. “Our youngsters are jobless in the Northeast. Had tourism been encouraged in the Northeast, our people wouldn’t have to look at the rest of the country for our survival,” he added.

Arthur’s impassioned speech highlighted the ongoing struggles in Manipur and called for urgent action and justice. By invoking the slogan “Manipur ko nyay dilaye” (“Justice for Manipur”), he underscored his commitment to advocating for his state and its urgent need for support and resolution.