NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The Opposition INDIA bloc intensified its criticism of the BJP-led government on Monday by staging a sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, calling for urgent intervention to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. The state has been gripped by violence, unrest, and political instability for the past 19 months, drawing sharp accusations of “criminal apathy” from the Opposition.

The protest was a strong condemnation of the BJP government’s handling of the crisis, which the INDIA bloc labeled as a “failure to uphold constitutional rights.” Protesters cited rampant extortion, unavailability of medicines, spiraling inflation and widespread violence as evidence of a crumbling state apparatus in Manipur. They accused the government of neglecting fundamental rights, particularly the Right to Life and Property, leaving the youth and marginalized communities in despair.

In a strongly-worded resolution passed during the demonstration, the INDIA bloc outlined several demands aimed at addressing the crisis:

1. The bloc urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur immediately, asserting that his personal intervention was essential for restoring peace and maintaining the state’s territorial integrity. They held him accountable for the prolonged violence and instability under his leadership.
2. The Opposition called upon the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah on moral grounds for his failure to contain the violence and ensure public safety in Manipur.
3. The Bloc demanded the immediate removal of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, alleging his government had allowed the state to spiral into lawlessness and despair.
4. The formation of a robust and inclusive strategy to address the socio-political and economic crisis in Manipur was emphasized as a critical step toward restoring normalcy.

The INDIA bloc highlighted the deteriorating situation in Manipur, describing the state as being in “unprecedented turmoil.” They pointed to continuous curfews, internet bans, skyrocketing commodity prices, lack of access to medicines, and the closure of educational institutions as severe challenges plaguing the state. Rising extortion and violent threats, coupled with a complete breakdown of law and order, have left Manipur’s citizens in a state of despair.

The INDIA bloc vowed to sustain their democratic struggle until peace and stability are restored in Manipur. “This is not just a crisis of governance; it’s a moral and political failure of the BJP government,” the resolution stated. The bloc affirmed their commitment to rebuilding Manipur’s social fabric, transcending caste, creed, and ethnicity to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.