Manipur protests: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA governments over the ongoing violence in Manipur, accusing the ruling party of exacerbating the crisis for its “divisive politics.”
Kharge’s remarks follow fresh violent protests in Manipur, triggered by the discovery on Friday evening of the bodies of a woman and two children in the Jiri River. The victims are believed to be part of a family of six who had gone missing from the Jiribam district since Monday. In response to the killings, enraged mobs targeted the homes of state ministers and six MLAs, escalating the unrest in the region. Kharge condemned the BJP’s handling of the crisis, accusing the party of leaving Manipur in turmoil since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
In a social media post on X, Kharge wrote, “Narendra Modi ji, under your double engine governments, “Na Manipur ek hai, na Manipur Safe hai” Since May 2023, it is undergoing unimaginable pain, division and simmering violence, which has destroyed the future of its people. We are saying it with utmost responsibility that it looks that the BJP deliberately wants Manipur to burn, for it serves its hateful divisive politics.”
The Congress leader further accused both the central and state governments of failing the people of Manipur, adding, “You have failed Manipur — a beautiful border state. Even if you visit Manipur in future, people of the state will never forgive or forget that you left them to fend for themselves, and never set foot in their state to heal their miseries and find a solution.”
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Manipur unrest
The violence has spread to neighboring regions, intensifying the crisis. In light of the unrest, an indefinite curfew was imposed in Imphal, and internet and mobile services were suspended for two days.
In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur Police have arrested 23 individuals connected to the attacks on public officials’ residences. Authorities also recovered firearms and mobile phones from the suspects. Security forces, including the Army and Assam Rifles, have been deployed to restore order, with flag marches conducted across affected areas.
According to a statement from the Manipur Police, “On 16.11.2024, irate mobs targeted various houses and properties of public representatives including Ministers and MLAs of the State in Imphal. Police have resorted to firing tear gas shells etc. to disperse the mob. Security forces including Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Imphal to strengthen the security in the town area. Flag marches have been conducted. 08 (eight) persons have been injured in the process of mob dispersal.”
As the crisis continues, the state’s future remains uncertain, with many accusing the BJP-led government of neglecting its responsibilities in addressing the violence and seeking a resolution.