“Timely Intervention,” Says PM Modi On Manipur; Congress Reacts: “Disgraceful And Shameless”

In response to a question on Manipur by Assam Tribune in an interview, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in dealing with sensitive issues. He highlighted the government’s efforts, including his own address in Parliament, to address the challenges faced by the state.

“We believe that it is our collective responsibility to deal with the situation sensitively. I have already spoken about this in the Parliament,” stated PM Modi during the interview.

“Because of the timely intervention of the Government of India and efforts made by the Government of Manipur, there has been a marked improvement in the situation of the State,” PM Modi said responded to Assam Tribune when he was asked about the Opposition’s criticism on handling the Manipur issue.

The Prime Minister underscored the significant improvement observed in the state’s situation due to the combined efforts of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. He commended Home Minister Amit Shah’s proactive engagement, including staying in Manipur during the peak of the conflict and conducting numerous meetings with stakeholders.

“The Central Government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the State Government. The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the State,” PM Modi added.

However, in a scathing attack, Congress’ general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, criticised the BJP’s claims regarding the situation in Manipur.

“It is disgraceful and shameless for the BJP to claim that the PM has saved Manipur. Hundreds of people have been killed, and lakhs displaced. An atmosphere of fear and intimidation prevails, and communities are living apart,” remarked Ramesh.

He further highlighted the absence of direct engagement by PM Modi in the state’s affairs, stating, “The PM has not made a visit to the state in 11 months, nor has he spoken about it, except for three minutes. He has not even met the Chief Minister or MLAs or MPs from the state.”

Ramesh attributed the violence in Manipur to the politics of division and polarization practiced by the BJP, presenting it as the stark reality of the state’s situation.

Ethnic violence in Manipur has so far claimed over 200 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people since May last year. Officials say the situation has degenerated into anarchy, with underground militant factions regaining support.
Manipur’s demographic makeup comprises Meiteis, constituting approximately 53% of the population and residing predominantly in the Imphal Valley, and tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, who constitute 40% and primarily inhabit the hill districts.

The divide between the Meitei community and tribal populations deepened due to the controversial matter of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Hill tribes are protesting against the Meitei community’s push for ST status.

Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 77th Independence day last year, PM Modi had said that India stands with the people of Manipur and expressed confidence that there shall be a peaceful resolution of the problems there. PM Modi had faced heavy criticism in the recent times from opposition in regard to not speaking on the Manipur violence.

In the Independence day speech, he had said that there has been a period of unrest and violence in Manipur and news of attacks on the dignity of women, he noted that people of Manipur are maintaining peace for sometime and asked that the process of peace be carried forward.