‘Manipur’s situation improved due to timely intervention of govt’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said there has been a marked improvement in strife-torn Manipur due to the timely intervention by the central and state governments.

Speaking to The Assam Tribune, a regional newspaper, the PM said, “I have already spoken about this in the Parliament. We have dedicated our best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the conflict. Because of the timely intervention of the Government of India and efforts made by the Government of Manipur, there has been a marked improvement in the state’s situation.”

Unrest after the ethnic violence, which erupted in the state in May last year, continues sporadically, sometimes tense, in the northeastern state, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives.

Also Read: Manipur: Five civilians killed in fresh violence, situation tense

The Prime Minister said that Home Minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur while the conflict was at its peak and held “15-plus meetings with various stakeholders to help resolve the conflict”.

“The central government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the state government. The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the state,” PM Modi said.

The Opposition has attacked PM Modi several times over the Manipur issue, blaming his government for the situation in the state which has remained tense since the ethnic violence broke out in May last year.

Last year, the Opposition had moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government at the Centre, demanding a statement from the Prime Minister on the situation in Manipur.

Also Read: Lok Sabha polls: People displaced due to Manipur violence to cast votes in relief camps, says ECI

PM Modi eventually spoke about Manipur in Parliament, saying “The entire country is with Manipur and the Centre and state governments are working together to restore peace in the state.”

Nearly 200 people have been killed since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur between two tribal groups, the Kukis and Meiteis, on May 3, 2023.

The violence first erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts of Manipur to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.