Congress Calls Manipur Violence a Damning Indictment of BJP’s Governance
Mallikarjun Kharge questions the Centre's peace efforts after four civilians were killed in the latest violence, citing prolonged displacement, security concerns and the need for rehabilitation.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 21: The Congress on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led government over renewed violence in Manipur, accusing it of failing to restore normalcy, protect citizens and address the continuing security crisis in the northeastern state.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the killing of four civilians in the latest outbreak of violence and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the effectiveness of measures taken to establish lasting peace.
In a post on X, Kharge described the killings as deeply distressing and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He alleged that the Centre’s handling of the situation had failed to prevent further bloodshed despite repeated political and administrative interventions.
Kharge said more than 300 people had lost their lives since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023, while 24,530 people continued to live in relief camps under difficult conditions. He also expressed concern over the prolonged displacement of families, particularly women, children and other vulnerable groups.
The Congress leader argued that the imposition of President’s Rule, the subsequent change in leadership and the restoration of a BJP led government had not delivered the peace residents urgently needed. He also criticised Modi for not visiting Manipur for nearly 29 months after the violence erupted, questioning the government’s commitment to its assurances in Parliament.
Kharge demanded answers from the Prime Minister and Home Minister on three key issues: the status of the peace committee established in June 2023, the concrete steps taken to improve security and restore normalcy, and the implementation of recommendations made by a Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal.
He also questioned why thousands of residents remained displaced and sought details of the arrangements made to protect families living in relief camps. Referring to the Supreme Court’s reported concerns over 31 unnatural deaths in the camps, Kharge called for greater accountability and effective rehabilitation measures.
The Congress president said the authorities must explain what steps had been taken to ensure the safety, dignity and long-term resettlement of affected women, children and other displaced residents.
He further questioned who would accept responsibility for the prolonged crisis after more than three years of violence, hundreds of deaths, a period of President’s Rule and a change in the state’s leadership.
Kharge maintained that Manipur’s strategic importance as a border state made its stability a national security priority. He called for justice for affected communities, protection of constitutional rights and a sustained effort to achieve lasting peace rather than politically driven responses.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur began in May 2023 following tensions between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths, widespread displacement and serious damage to relations between communities.
At least 306 people have been killed in the conflict, while 49 remain missing and thousands have been forced from their homes, according to the figures cited in the report. The state has also witnessed clashes involving Kuki and Naga communities in recent months, adding to concerns about the wider security situation.
The latest killings have renewed questions about the effectiveness of peace initiatives, the protection of civilians and the conditions in relief camps. The Congress has urged the Centre to provide clear answers on its response and demonstrate measurable progress towards reconciliation and rehabilitation.
As tensions persist, the political debate over the government’s handling of Manipur continues, with the opposition demanding greater accountability and a comprehensive strategy to prevent further violence. The immediate challenge remains ensuring civilian safety, restoring confidence among affected communities and creating conditions for a durable settlement.
