New Delhi, September 4, 2024 — Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, accusing him of “miserably failing” to protect the state’s people and adding to a long list of his alleged “betrayals.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge charged that the turmoil in Manipur, which has persisted for 16 months, reflects the ineffectiveness of the BJP’s “double engine” government. He claimed that no effective measures have been implemented to restore peace or instill confidence among the affected communities.
“Why has Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh not been removed? Is he not responsible for paralyzing the state machinery and making offensive statements?” Kharge questioned. He criticized the handling of the situation, alleging that Singh’s resignation was merely a pretense to avoid accountability.
Kharge also took aim at Prime Minister Modi for his perceived indifference, questioning why Modi had not visited Manipur and accusing him of being detached from the suffering of the people. “Your ego has led to the suffering of all communities in Manipur. Your government’s incompetence has failed to even initiate a basic peace process,” he said.
The Congress leader highlighted recent developments, including drone attacks in Imphal West and attacks on BJP leaders’ homes, suggesting that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah was not adequately addressing the crisis. Kharge also raised concerns about the removal of the Governor, speculating that it might have been a reaction to her criticism of the relief camps’ conditions.
The crisis, marked by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has led to over 200 deaths, injuries to countless individuals, and the displacement of 67,000 people. Many, including women and children, continue to live in poor conditions in relief camps.
Kharge warned that the ongoing violence and displacement also pose a national security threat at Manipur’s borders. “Prime Minister Modi, you have failed miserably in protecting the people of Manipur. This turmoil is yet another example of your betrayal of the Indian people,” he concluded.
