Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP on Monday, criticizing the BJP-led government for the ongoing volatile situation in Manipur. Kharge highlighted the unabated violence in Manipur over the past nine months, expressing concern that despite the severe consequences, PM Modi has not visited the state.
Kharge questioned the BJP’s governance, asserting that the “double engine government” has dealt several blows to the people of Manipur.
“He (PM Narendra Modi) last visited Manipur in February 2022, only to campaign for elections, and now has left the people of Manipur to fend for themselves,” Kharge said.
It may be mentioned here that over 200 people have died and thousands of others have been displaced since the start of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3 last year.
The Congress president drew attention to the dire conditions in relief camps, where over 50,000 people are suffering without adequate facilities, blaming the BJP for complete apathy and neglect.
He stated that women and children are the worst affected, with renewed violence claiming 10 lives since January 1.
“Around 50,000 people continue to languish in relief camps in despicable conditions without adequate medical facilities and food. People have already lost everything — their homes, their livelihoods and their belongings. They can’t go anywhere. Their future is bleak,” said Kharge.
“According to some reports, over 80 people have died in camps in Churachandpur alone, due to trauma, malnutrition and illness. The Imphal camps are no better… Whatever help is being provided in camps has come from collective efforts of good Samaritans, NGOs, and not the state government,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said.
Kharge also pointed out an incident on January 24 where an armed group coerced MPs/MLAs to attend a meeting at Kangla Fort, resulting in brutal assaults.
“On January 24, we witnessed how an armed group coerced MPs/MLAs to attend a meeting at heavily guarded Kangla Fort Manipur. Congress president was brutally assaulted and tortured,” he claimed.
He concluded by highlighting the hollowness of PM Modi’s assurance to the people of Manipur in August 2023, emphasizing ““There is no normalcy and peace in sight.”