‘Insult to people of Manipur’: Congress on PM Modi’s likely Manipur visit
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister would spend "only about three hours" in Manipur after "29 long and painful months" of waiting. "Yes, only three hours. What does he expect to achieve from this hasty visit?" Ramesh wrote on X, calling it an insult to the people who have endured violence and displacement.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first trip to the state since ethnic violence broke out more than two years ago. The announcement has triggered sharp political reactions, with the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) questioning the timing and purpose of the visit.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister would spend "only about three hours” in Manipur after "29 long and painful months” of waiting. "Yes, only three hours. What does he expect to achieve from this hasty visit?” Ramesh wrote on X, calling it an insult to the people who have endured violence and displacement.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "When Manipur was burning, he did not dare to go there. Now, as his term nears its end, he is going there for tourism.” The unrest in Manipur, which began more than 29 months ago over the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has left more than 260 people dead and thousands displaced. The Kuki and other tribal communities have opposed the demand, leading to violent clashes.
President’s Rule extended
In February this year, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur. Last month, Parliament approved its extension for another six months. According to the government, security forces have since managed to recover around 3,000 weapons that were looted during the unrest, though sporadic incidents of violence continue. Home Minister Amit Shah has already made multiple visits to the state to review the situation.
The Opposition had consistently targeted the prime minister in Parliament for not visiting Manipur earlier. Now, with Modi’s scheduled stop in the state, critics allege the trip is symbolic rather than substantive.