Govt cannot escape accountability by ignoring Manipur crisis: Cong

The people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely watching how the prime minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach were needed the most

MP, 25 Oct 2023, NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday again attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur since the outbreak of violence in May and alleged that he “abandoned” the state at a time when his intervention and outreach were needed the most. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said it is the 175th day since Manipur erupted and social harmony in the state was devastated. 

But five questions continue to be asked by the people of Manipur and by all those who want the process of reconciliation and trust-building in the state to gather momentum, he said in a post on X. 

“The people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely watching how the prime minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach were needed the most,” he said. 

“He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis,” the Congress leader said. Ramesh raised pertinent questions concerning the Prime Minister’s lack of interaction with the Chief Minister of Manipur and the elected MLAs from the state, many of whom are affiliated with his party or its allies. 

He also sought to understand why the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, who represents Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha, encountered difficulties in arranging a meeting with the Prime Minister. 

The questions raised by Jairam underscore significant concerns regarding the communication and engagement between the central government and political representatives in Manipur. These concerns centre on the actions and public statements of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in relation to the state. 

“Why has the PM who pontificates on all subjects not seen fit to speak on Manipur publicly for more than 4-5 minutes at most, that too in a routine manner and after immense pressure from the Opposition? 

“Why has the PM who loves to travel at the drop of a hat not seen it fit to spend even a few hours in Manipur to show his concern,” Ramesh asked. “Why is the CM who is so thoroughly discredited across sections of Manipur’s society still being allowed to continue,” the Congress MP also asked. 

The Congress has been critical of the Modi government’s handling of the Manipur crisis. The opposition party has also been demanding the sacking of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accusing him of not being able to control the situation. 

https://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/govt-cannot-escape-accountability-by-ignoring-manipur-crisis-cong-537872