Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the ongoing violence in Manipur, demanding to know who would take responsibility for what he described as a 'monumental failure of governance.'
Condemning the killing of four civilians in the latest outbreak of violence, Kharge called on the central government to provide answers regarding the restoration of peace and the rehabilitation of displaced persons in the state.
In a post on X, Kharge stated that since May 2023, more than 300 people have died and 24,530 remain displaced living in relief camps under “pathetic conditions.” He added, “Manipur is bleeding again because of BJP's incompetence! The horrific killing of four innocent civilians in the latest spate of violence is deeply condemnable. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Kharge highlighted that women, children and vulnerable families have suffered extensively due to the prolonged unrest. He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) political strategies, including the imposition of President's Rule, the replacement of the Chief Minister, and the reinstallation of the BJP government, stating these measures have failed to bring peace.
He also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi had not visited Manipur for nearly 29 months since the violence began, accusing him of failing to fulfill assurances given in Parliament. Kharge further said the ongoing bloodshed in the strategically important border state reflects the BJP's failure to maintain law and order, protect constitutional rights, and safeguard national security.
Kharge directed three questions to Modi and Shah:
- What happened to the Peace Committee constituted by Amit Shah in June 2023? What concrete steps have been taken to restore peace, protect citizens and address security challenges in the border state?
- What actions have been taken on the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee's recommendations? Why are thousands still displaced despite the Supreme Court highlighting 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps? What measures ensure the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children and displaced families?
- After over three years, more than 300 deaths, President's Rule and a change of Chief Minister, who will assume responsibility for this failure of governance? How many more lives must be lost before the Prime Minister and Home Minister act?
He added, “Manipur deserves justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace. As a strategically important border state, its security and stability cannot be held hostage to the BJP's political expediency.”
Earlier on Wednesday, a 48-hour statewide shutdown called by the Native People’s Committee Manipur (NPCM) began at midnight on October 19, protesting against armed groups responsible for an attack in the Khongbal Tangkhul area that killed three Meitei people and injured several others.
The shutdown affected both hill and valley districts, with shops, markets, business establishments, banks, private offices and educational institutions-including schools, colleges and universities-remaining closed. Public and private transport, except police and government vehicles, was suspended. However, airline services continued as usual.
Essential services such as healthcare, fire services, water supply, media operations and religious activities were exempted. The shutdown, having significantly impacted the valley areas more than hill districts, has continued alongside protests until the government takes credible action to meet the committee's demands.