Guwahati: The Congress on Wednesday criticised the BJP over renewed violence in Manipur, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the continued loss of lives, displacement and failure to restore peace in the state.
Kharge said the killing of four civilians in the latest violence was condemnable and accused the BJP of failing to maintain law and order, protect constitutional rights and address security challenges in the strategically important border state.
“Manipur is bleeding again because of BJP’s incompetence! The horrific killing of four innocent civilians in the latest spate of violence is deeply condemnable,” Kharge said in a post on X, expressing condolences to the bereaved families.
He said more than 300 people had been killed since the conflict began in May 2023, while 24,530 people remained in relief camps. Women, children and vulnerable families continued to bear the impact of the prolonged crisis, he added.
Kharge also criticised the Centre’s handling of the situation, referring to the imposition of President’s Rule, the change of chief minister and the subsequent formation of a BJP-led government. He said these political developments had failed to bring peace and questioned Modi’s absence from the state for nearly 29 months after the violence erupted.
Kharge raised questions about the Peace Committee constituted by Shah in June 2023 and asked what concrete steps had been taken to restore peace, protect civilians and address security concerns.
He also sought details of action taken on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal. Kharge questioned why thousands of people remained displaced and referred to the Supreme Court flagging 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps.
He further asked what measures had been taken to ensure the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children and displaced families.
“After more than three years, over 300 deaths, President’s Rule and a change of Chief Minister, who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance?” Kharge said, asking how many more lives would be lost before the Prime Minister and Home Minister acted.
He said Manipur deserved justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace, adding that the state’s security and stability should not be compromised by political considerations.
The ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities erupted in May 2023. It has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been displaced. In recent months, clashes between Kuki and Naga communities have also escalated claiming more lives.