NEW DELHI, Dec 11: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the ongoing crisis in Manipur, describing it as a grave humanitarian emergency. Addressing Parliament, Gogoi criticized the government’s handling of the situation and urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make a statement on the issue.
“The entire state is in a humanitarian crisis. Instead of finding a solution, the government is deploying paramilitary forces and enforcing the AFSPA. This approach is not addressing the cycle of violence,” said Gogoi. He added that the people of Manipur were desperate to know when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state and when Shah would outline steps to resolve the crisis.
Gogoi alleged that the government was deflecting attention from its failures in Manipur by using financier George Soros as a distraction, a statement that sparked a heated exchange with the treasury benches.
Highlighting the deteriorating situation, the Congress leader said extortion had become rampant, the state’s economy was in shambles, and basic public services were on the verge of collapse. He expressed deep concern over the rise in illegal arms, drug, and timber trades, noting the devastating impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The education of thousands of students is at risk as schools and colleges remain closed. Healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Fear and uncertainty have gripped the population,” he remarked, painting a grim picture of life in the state.
The mention of George Soros prompted Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to counter Gogoi’s claims, alleging connections between Congress leadership and Soros-backed organizations purportedly working to destabilize India.
