PM Modi’s abject failure in Manipur unforgivable: Kharge

Kharge's statements follow a recent surge in violence, which has left at least five people dead in Jiribam district.

New Delhi | Updated: September 10, 2024 04:08 AM IST

3 min read

Manipur violence, Mallikarjun Kharge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, N Biren Singh

Security personnel use tear gas to disperse women agitators protesting over the Kuki militants attacks near Manipur Governor's residence, in Imphal, Sunday. (PTI Photo)

Amid escalating violence in Manipur, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the situation, labeling it an “abject failure” that is “unforgivable.” The party has called for the immediate dismissal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and urged the Union government to assume full responsibility for the state’s security crisis.

Kharge’s statements follow a recent surge in violence, which has left at least five people dead in Jiribam district. Reports indicate that militants targeted a home, killing a man in his sleep, which triggered a violent clash between rival communities.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kharge reiterated the sentiments of former Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, who had said the people of Manipur were disappointed over Modi’s absence in the state during 16 months of ongoing violence. He criticised both the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for neglecting their constitutional duties while focusing on political rallies in other states.

Also Read | Fresh violence in Manipur: 5 killed in Jiribam, day after rocket attacks in Bishnupur district

The Congress leader also pointed out that the Chief Minister’s recent request to transfer the “Unified Command”—which oversees security operations and is “handled by a team of Union Home Ministry officials, the state security adviser and the Army” —reflects a troubling trend of incompetence. Kharge warned that the situation has escalated to a national security threat, with reports of drone and rocket-propelled grenade attacks.

“People of Manipur are asking, why doesn’t Modi ji want to end violence in the state” said Kharge, adding, “The Supreme Court mandated and monitored ‘Manipur Commission of Inquiry’ into ethnic violence must expedite its investigation. Modi government must not misuse CBI, NIA and other agencies investigating the violence.”

Kharge outlined several demands from the party:

📌 Immediate dismissal of the Manipur Chief Minister.
📌 The Union government must take full responsibility for the security situation and conduct a crackdown on insurgent groups with state support.
📌 The Supreme Court-mandated Manipur Commission of inquiry should expedite its investigation into the ethnic violence, free from misuse of investigative agencies.
📌 Initiatives for peace and normalcy should involve all political parties and civil society representatives.

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