Concerns raised over Manipur as Jairam Ramesh questions PM Narendra Modi's response to ongoing violence and N Biren Singh's leadership
New Delhi, October 24: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media on Tuesday to pose five critical questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the prolonged period of violence in Manipur, which has stretched over 175 days. Ramesh questioned why N Biren Singh is still allowed to serve as the state's chief minister and accused PM Modi of neglecting the people of Manipur when they required his "intervention and outreach" the most.
Today is the 175th day since Manipur erupted and social harmony in the state was devastated. But five questions continue to be asked by the people of Manipur themselves and by all those wanting the process of reconciliation and trust-building in the state to gather momentum.
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— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 24, 2023
Ramesh expressed the following on social media, "The people of Manipur and the entire Northeast are closely watching how the Prime Minister has abandoned the state of Manipur at a time when his intervention and outreach was needed the most. He cannot escape accountability and responsibility by completely ignoring the crisis."
He added, "Why is the CM who is so thoroughly discredited across sections of Manipur's society still being allowed to continue?"
In his critique, Ramesh pointed out that Union Minister of State of External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh, who represents Manipur (Inner) in the Lok Sabha, had been unable to meet PM Modi. Furthermore, he noted that PM Modi had only dedicated a brief five minutes to address the issue of violence, raising the question of why the Prime Minister, who often speaks on various subjects, had not spoken more extensively on Manipur publicly.
Ramesh also questioned why PM Modi, known for his frequent travels, had not visited Manipur to demonstrate his concern regarding the ongoing violence, which has resulted in at least 178 casualties and the displacement of 50,000 individuals due to ethnic clashes since May.
The opposition has been demanding the removal of N Biren Singh from his position, accusing him of failing to control the violence that has persisted for over three months.
Ramesh's inquiries coincided with a statement from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during his annual Vijayadashami address, in which he mentioned the situation in Manipur. Bhagwat raised concerns about the sudden discord and conflict in Manipur, which had experienced a period of peace for nearly a decade, and questioned the interests behind disrupting the peaceful atmosphere and inciting violence.
The situation in Manipur has raised alarm and drawn attention from political leaders and figures across the nation.
- With inputs from agencies
