On December 6, 2024, political leaders from the INDIA bloc in Manipur called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the violence-stricken state, asserting that his direct involvement is essential for restoring peace and normalcy. The delegation of leaders, representing 10 political parties, held a press conference in New Delhi, expressing frustration over being denied permission to hold a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar.
Manipur Congress chief K Meghachandra, leading the delegation, stated that despite their request for permission to protest, the authorities had declined it. “We had planned a sit-in protest with the participation of around 10 political parties, but our request was denied. It’s unfortunate that we’re being deprived of our right to protest. However, we will continue our protest in other forms,” he said.
The leaders have also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, questioning the central government’s negligence over the past 18 months in Manipur. “Over 60,000 people are in relief camps, and hundreds have lost their lives. How much longer will we have to endure this?” Meghachandra asked. He also stressed that the people of Manipur were demanding the Prime Minister’s intervention to bring peace to the state.
The Congress leader further criticized the role of the central government in managing the crisis. He described the state government as a puppet under central control, with the Chief Minister’s authority reduced to mere symbolism. “It feels like an undeclared presidential rule, with the Home Minister directly overseeing the situation,” he added.
In their letter to the Prime Minister, the INDIA bloc parties urged Modi to visit Manipur as soon as possible. The letter highlighted the widespread devastation caused by the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. “The people of Manipur have been waiting for your presence to voice their suffering. The turmoil has displaced nearly a lakh of people, and hundreds of lives have been lost. The state is in chaos,” the letter stated.
The leaders emphasized that a visit from the Prime Minister would play a crucial role in restoring peace. “If you cannot visit before the end of 2024, we request you to invite all political parties from Manipur to meet with you in New Delhi. Your direct involvement is critical to bringing peace and normalcy,” the letter concluded.
Kshetrimayum Shanta, the convenor of the 10 political parties, expressed his discontent with the government’s response. “We traveled over 3,000 km from Manipur to demand peace, but our protest was blocked. This shows the government’s disregard for the people of Manipur,” he said. Shanta also criticized the central government’s handling of the situation, blaming the BJP-led administration for the ongoing crisis. “Under this government, Manipur has been divided. We want unity and integrity restored,” he added.
The opposition parties, including Congress, have been vocal in their criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s failure to visit Manipur and his government’s mishandling of the ethnic violence. Since May 2023, more than 220 people have been killed, and thousands displaced in clashes between the Meitei community in Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjoining hills.
