Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Following renewed violence in Manipur, the Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to adhere to constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling party of having vested interests in perpetuating unrest in the state, emphasizing, “The BJP is the matchstick which burnt Manipur!”
Kharge highlighted that Modi’s last visit to Manipur was aimed at campaigning for BJP ahead of the 2022 elections, while the violence erupted shortly after on May 3, 2023. He revealed alarming statistics, noting that over 600 days have passed, with reports indicating widespread devastation across numerous villages.
The recent turmoil saw a mob attacking the superintendent of police in Kangpokpi district, leading to injuries among law enforcement and protesters alike. “Your incompetent and shameless Chief Minister has expressed regret but has conveniently avoided accountability during this crisis,” Kharge stated.
He further elaborated that the BJP is responsible for more than 250 deaths and the displacement of 60,000 residents, many of whom have been living in refugee camps for nearly two years. Additionally, the Supreme Court has underscored the necessity for both Union and State governments to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
On December 6, the INDIA bloc presented three crucial requests to the Prime Minister. These included visiting Manipur before the end of 2024, engaging with all political party representatives in Delhi, and directly involving himself in resolving the situation. Kharge criticized the Prime Minister for failing to address these demands.
“Even if you take any steps now, you cannot evade the constitutional accountability of neglecting your duties,” he added.
The injury of the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi resulted from a mob attack on January 3, 2025, spurred by frustrations over alleged central force mismanagement during recent protests. Local Kuki organizations have been mobilizing against the actions of security forces, particularly following an incident involving women protesters in Saibol village.
Published – January 04, 2025 01:59 pm IST
