Congress President Criticizes BJP Over Manipur Violence
Congress Leader's Strong Condemnation
A file image of AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge. (Photo: PTI)
Imphal, Oct 21: Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of Congress, has sharply criticized the BJP-led Central government regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur. He has called for accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah concerning the persistent crisis in the region.
In a statement shared on a microblogging platform, Kharge extended his condolences to the families of the four civilians who lost their lives and accused the BJP of failing to restore peace, despite changes in the political and administrative landscape of the state.
“Manipur is suffering again due to the BJP's ineptitude! The tragic deaths of four innocent civilians in the recent violence are utterly condemnable. My deepest sympathies go out to the grieving families,” Kharge remarked, criticizing Modi for not visiting Manipur for almost 29 months since the violence began.
He pointed out that over 300 individuals have died since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, with 24,530 people still residing in relief camps.
“How many more innocent lives need to be sacrificed before the Prime Minister and Home Minister take action?” Kharge questioned, demanding accountability for the ongoing violence and a definitive plan for achieving lasting peace.
Kharge also questioned whether the imposition of President’s Rule, the change in Chief Minister, and the subsequent return to an elected government had led to any significant improvement in security.
He raised concerns about the status of the Peace Committee formed in June 2023 and the implementation of recommendations from a Supreme Court-appointed committee led by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal.
Additionally, the Congress president sought information on the measures taken to protect displaced families. He highlighted the 31 unnatural deaths in the camps and questioned what actions the government had taken to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents.
Supporting Kharge’s statements, Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, a spokesperson for Manipur Congress, urged the Prime Minister and Home Minister to address the issues raised by the Congress leadership with concrete actions.
“I hope Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will take the time to respond with positive actions to the serious concerns highlighted by Congress President Kharge regarding Manipur,” Bupenda stated on the microblogging platform.
The Congress party has consistently argued that the recurring violence is indicative of the BJP-led governments' failure to restore normalcy in Manipur.
This political clash arises amidst renewed violence in the state. Recently, a 45-year-old Kuki villager was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kangpokpi district, while another individual who was with him escaped unharmed, according to police reports.
In a separate incident, three people were killed and three others injured in an alleged attack by suspected Kuki militants in Uyumpok, near Nongsum Hills in Imphal East district on Monday morning.