Congress Slams PM Modi for Ignoring Violence-Hit Manipur While Touring the World
NEW DELHI, Jan 14: The Congress launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued absence from violence-stricken Manipur, accusing him of prioritizing international trips over addressing the plight of the distressed people in the northeastern state.
Marking the first anniversary of the Rahul Gandhi-led ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ (BJNY), Congress highlighted what they termed as the Prime Minister’s indifference toward Manipur, where ethnic violence has left more than 220 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023.
“Exactly a year ago today, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra began in Manipur with the aim of addressing issues like unemployment, price rise, and social justice,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. He criticized PM Modi for his “lack of inclination” to visit Manipur, contrasting it with his frequent international engagements.
“Manipur continues to suffer, yet the Prime Minister has not deemed it necessary to visit the state or meet its people,” Ramesh stated. “He has also steadfastly refused to meet political leaders from Manipur, including legislators from his own party and even the Chief Minister.”
The Congress further alleged that the agony of Manipur persists unabated, citing a recent decision by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports to postpone its proposed study tour to the state due to the ongoing instability.
The ethnic violence, which erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei community of the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the surrounding hills, has devastated the region. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Congress criticized the government’s handling of the crisis and accused the Prime Minister of neglecting his responsibilities.
The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ began in Manipur on January 14, 2023, following the success of the earlier ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ which traversed 6,600 kilometers across 15 states. The BJNY, conducted in a hybrid mode, culminated in a rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on March 16, 2024, as part of Congress’ efforts to connect with citizens ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Congress leaders reiterated their commitment to standing with the people of Manipur and criticized the BJP-led government for failing to provide effective solutions or relief to those affected by the prolonged ethnic conflict.
