Kharge Questions Government Response to Renewed Violence
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over renewed violence in Manipur, accusing the party of failing to restore peace, maintain law and order, and protect citizens in the strategically sensitive border state.
Kharge condemned the reported killing of four civilians in the latest violence and expressed condolences to their families. In a post on X, he described the killings as "deeply condemnable" and stated, "Manipur is bleeding again because of BJP’s incompetence!"
The Congress chief questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the continuing bloodshed, asking how many more innocent lives would be lost before the government took effective action.
Stalled Peace Efforts and Relief Camp Conditions
Kharge highlighted that more than 300 people have died since the conflict erupted in May 2023. He noted that 24,530 people remain in relief camps under difficult conditions, while approximately 49 people are reportedly missing.
Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi for not visiting Manipur for nearly 29 months after the violence began and for failing to fulfill assurances made in Parliament. He argued that the situation raises concerns about law and order, constitutional rights, and national security in a strategically important border state.
The Congress president posed three sets of questions to Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Peace Committee constituted by Shah in June 2023. He also questioned the action taken on recommendations from the Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal.
Supreme Court Concerns and Rehabilitation
Kharge referenced Supreme Court concerns over 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps. He questioned what measures had been implemented to improve conditions for displaced residents and asked about steps being taken for the rehabilitation of displaced families.
Kharge accused the BJP-led government of failing to restore normalcy in Manipur despite changes in state political leadership and the imposition of President’s Rule.