Imphal: As Manipur marked the grim two-year anniversary of the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, the Congress party launched a scathing critique of the central government’s handling of the crisis.
They alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has persistently ignored the state’s plight, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s efforts have been deemed a “major failure.”
Congress General Secretary In-charge, Communications, Jairam Ramesh, asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite securing a significant mandate in the February 2022 state elections, witnessed the state descend into sectarian violence just a year later.
Ramesh characterized the events of May 3, 2023, as a “self-dictated, self-directed derailment” of the BJP’s “double engine sarkar.” He further highlighted that, three months into the crisis, the Supreme Court recognized a complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in Manipur.
Ramesh also stated the Modi government, facing a no-confidence motion, forced the Chief Minister to resign and only imposed President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, twenty months after the initial demand for it. He expressed deep concern over the ongoing suffering in Manipur, pointing to political maneuvering and the absence of a meaningful reconciliation process. He emphasized the plight of over 60,000 internally displaced persons living in strained conditions in relief camps.
A central point of the Congress’s criticism was Prime Minister Modi’s perceived avoidance of Manipur. Ramesh stated that the Prime Minister has “continued to avoid and shun Manipur” and has not met with any representatives from the state. He criticized Modi’s international travels while neglecting to visit the troubled region. Furthermore, Ramesh accused Home Minister Amit Shah, entrusted with managing the situation, of “big failure.”
Ramesh concluded by stating that “Manipur deserves better,” and that the people of Manipur await the Prime Minister’s visit to Imphal, hoping for a gesture of healing.
The backdrop to these political accusations is the devastating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in over 220 deaths and the displacement of thousands since May 2023.
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