New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday criticised the BJP over fresh violence in Manipur, condemning the reported killing of four civilians and accusing the party of failing to restore peace in the strife-hit state.
In a post on X, Kharge said the killings were deeply condemnable and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He claimed that more than 300 people had lost their lives since violence erupted in May 2023, while 24,530 people continued to live in relief camps under difficult conditions. He said women, children and vulnerable families had borne the brunt of the prolonged crisis.
Kharge alleged that the BJP’s political decisions, including the imposition of President’s Rule, a change of chief minister and the subsequent formation of a new government, had failed to bring lasting peace. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur for nearly 29 months after the violence began, alleging that the Centre had failed to fulfil its assurances in Parliament.
Describing the continuing violence as a serious failure of governance, Kharge said the situation raised concerns about law and order, constitutional rights and national security in the strategically important border state.
Kharge raises three questions
The Congress chief sought answers from Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on three key issues.
First, he questioned the status of the Peace Committee constituted by Shah in June 2023 and asked what concrete steps had been taken to restore peace, protect citizens and address security challenges.
Second, Kharge sought details of action taken on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee. He questioned why thousands of people remained displaced and referred to the Supreme Court flagging 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps. He also asked what measures had been taken to ensure the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children and displaced families.
Third, he demanded accountability for the prolonged crisis, asking who would take responsibility after more than three years of violence, over 300 reported deaths, President’s Rule and a change of chief minister.
“How many more innocent lives must be lost before the Prime Minister and Home Minister act?” Kharge asked.
He said Manipur deserved justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace, adding that the state’s security and stability should not be compromised by political considerations.
