Imphal: After fresh violence erupted in Manipur, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of failing to address the ongoing crisis in the state.
In a sharp critique posted on X, Kharge alleged that the BJP had vested interests in perpetuating unrest in Manipur and held the party responsible for the state’s turmoil.
Kharge described the BJP as the “matchstick” that ignited the conflict, pointing to the long-standing violence that began on May 3, 2023. “Narendra Modi ji, your last visit to Manipur was for seeking votes in January 2022. More than 600 days have passed since violence erupted, and villages have been wiped off,” Kharge wrote, citing media reports supported by satellite images.
The Congress chief highlighted the recent attack on the Kangpokpi district superintendent of police, where a mob injured the officer and others in a protest over the deployment of central forces in Saibol village. The incident, Kharge said, underscores the ongoing unrest and the inability of the state government, led by the BJP, to restore peace.
Accusing the prime minister of neglecting his constitutional responsibilities, Kharge reiterated that the Supreme Court had emphasized the duty of the Union and state governments to ensure peace and normalcy. He also referenced the INDIA bloc’s earlier requests to PM Modi, including a visit to Manipur, consultations with political representatives, and direct involvement in resolving the crisis—none of which have been acted upon, according to Kharge.
“Even if you take these steps now, you cannot escape the constitutional culpability of not following rajdharma,” Kharge asserted.
The recent violence in Kangpokpi district, triggered by alleged police inaction and deployment of central forces in Saibol village, resulted in injuries to both security personnel and protesters. Kuki organizations have protested against the alleged baton charge on women in the village, which escalated tensions and led to Friday’s attack on the superintendent’s office.
Kharge criticized Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, calling him “incompetent and shameless” for expressing regret without addressing the root causes of the conflict. The Congress president lamented the plight of displaced individuals, with over 60,000 people still living in camps nearly 20 months after the violence began.
The Congress has called for urgent action to resolve the crisis, accusing the BJP of exploiting the situation for political gain while the state continues to suffer.
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