New Delhi: In a significant development amidst ongoing turmoil in Manipur, senior Congress leaders have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they perceive as a lack of prioritization for the strife-torn state. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition, is slated to visit Manipur for the third time since May last year, a move seen as contrasting sharply with PM Modi’s absence from the region since the same period.
“This will be Rahul ji’s first official visit to Manipur after becoming LoP in the Lok Sabha,” noted Girish Chodankar, AICC’s in-charge for Manipur, emphasizing the significance of Gandhi’s upcoming visit. Scheduled to visit violence-affected areas including Jiribam, Churachandpur, and Moirang, Gandhi aims to meet with affected communities and discuss the crisis with Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities has roiled Manipur since last year, exacerbating tensions and leading to widespread displacement. Gandhi’s visit to Jiribam holds particular significance following recent violence that disrupted a tenuous peace in the region.
In contrast, PM Modi’s forthcoming international visits to Russia and Austria have drawn criticism from Congress leaders, who argue that his absence from Manipur underscores a lack of proactive engagement with the state’s challenges.
The Congress-led opposition has consistently raised the Manipur crisis in both Houses of Parliament, advocating for justice and national attention towards resolving the region’s deep-rooted issues. During recent parliamentary sessions, slogans such as “Justice for Manipur” and “Bharat jodo” echoed in protest against what they perceive as governmental neglect.
Responding to the criticism, PM Modi defended his government’s efforts to restore peace in Manipur, urging political parties to transcend partisan interests in addressing the complex situation. He cautioned against elements that seek to inflame tensions, emphasizing that such actions will be rejected by the people of Manipur.
The debate over Manipur’s crisis continues to underscore broader questions of governance and accountability, with both sides striving to influence public opinion through their actions and statements.
