‘Great human tragedy unfolding in Manipur’: In appeal for peace, Sonia Gandhi steers clear of blame game

In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, they alleged that Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh was the architect of the ethnic violence that has riven the state. Sonia, however, refrained from attacking the government or indulging in blame game.

“For nearly 50 days, we have witnessed a great human tragedy unfolding in Manipur. The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in your state and uprooted thousands has left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation,” she said in a video message.

Expressing condolences to “all those who have lost their loved ones,” she said, “I am deeply saddened to see people forced to flee the only place they call home and leave behind all that they’ve built over a lifetime.”

The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur has left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation.

I am deeply saddened to see the people forced to flee the only place they call home.

I appeal for peace and harmony. Our choice to embark on the… pic.twitter.com/BDiuKyNGoe

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 21, 2023

“It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters who have coexisted peacefully turn against each other. The history of Manipur stands testament to her ability to embrace people of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, and the myriad possibilities of a diverse society,” she said.

Manipur was a Congress bastion till some years ago. Senior Congress leaders, including Okram Ibobi Singh, who was the Chief Minister from 2002 to 2017, had met Sonia yesterday to apprise her of the situation in the state.

She said “it takes tremendous trust and goodwill to nurture the spirit of brotherhood, and a single misstep to fan the flames of hate and divisiveness.”

“Today, we are at vital crossroads. Our choice to embark on the path of healing will shape the future that our children will inherit. I appeal to the people of Manipur, especially my brave sisters, to lead the way in bringing peace and harmony to this beautiful land. As a mother, I understand your pain and I appeal to your good conscience to lead the way,” she said.

She hoped that steps would be taken to rebuild confidence among various sections of society in the state.

“It is my sincere hope that over the coming weeks and months, we set out on the long journey of rebuilding trust and emerge stronger from this trial. I have immense hope and faith in the people of Manipur and I know that together we will overcome this ordeal,” she said.