A delegation of leaders from 10 INDIA bloc parties of Manipur has intensified their call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention and urged the PM to visit the violence-hit state urgently, emphasizing that only his direct engagement with Manipur’s people can restore peace and normalcy.
Kshetrimayum Shanta, convenor of the 10-party group, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction during a press conference in New Delhi. “We traveled over 3,000 km from Manipur to demand peace and restoration of normalcy, only to be denied permission to hold a sit-in at Jantar Mantar. Nearly one lakh people have been displaced, hundreds killed, and thousands of homes destroyed,” he said. Shanta accused the BJP-led government of maladministration, asserting, “This double-engine government has divided us, and we demand unity and integrity for Manipur.”
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, outlining the dire situation in the state. Manipur Congress chief K Meghachandra criticized the central government for its negligence, pointing out that the Prime Minister has neither visited the state nor initiated discussions on the crisis. “Over 60,000 people are living in relief camps, and hundreds have died. How much longer must we endure this suffering” he asked.
The leaders also alleged that the state government has been reduced to a “paper tiger,” functioning under the direct control of the central government. Meghachandra described this as an “undeclared presidential rule,” adding that the Home Minister has taken charge of the state’s affairs.
In their letter to PM Modi, the INDIA bloc leaders urged him to visit Manipur before the end of 2024. “The people of Manipur have been eagerly awaiting your presence since May 3, 2023, to voice their helplessness. The turmoil has left the state in complete chaos, with nearly one lakh people displaced and countless lives lost,” the letter stated. If a visit is not feasible, they requested the PM to meet representatives from Manipur in New Delhi, stressing that his proactive engagement is crucial to achieving peace.
At the press conference, Meghachandra reiterated the parties’ determination to continue their protest despite the setback at Jantar Mantar. “Being denied permission won’t deter us. Our fight for justice will persist in various forms,” he said. He also criticized the central government for failing to address the crisis, stating, “This is a glaring example of negligence. The Prime Minister has remained silent while Manipur suffers.”
The INDIA bloc leaders firmly believe that the Prime Minister’s involvement is the only way to resolve the crisis. “Your visit will serve as a beacon of hope for the people of Manipur,” they said, urging immediate action to end the ongoing strife.