New Delhi: Criticised often by the Opposition for his silence on Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Rajya Sabha Wednesday that the year-long ethnic violence in the state had abated and the central and state administrations were in talks with all stakeholders to restore peace.
Replying on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, Modi said the government was constantly trying to stabilise the situation. “More than 1,100 FIRs have been registered, and 500 people have been arrested. We have to accept that incidents of violence are reducing, which means it is possible to hope for peace now,” Modi said, adding that schools, colleges and offices were functional in the state.
“Exams were also held, and students are continuing their journey of progress,” he further said.
Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic conflict since May 2023. Violence has claimed hundreds of lives and disrupted relations between the two dominant communities, the Meiteis and Kukis.
In his reply to the motion of thanks in Lok Sabha Tuesday, a speech that lasted over two hours, the Prime Minister made no mention of Manipur. His speech was continuously disrupted by slogans of “Justice for Manipur” by opposition leaders.
The Congress demanded that Speaker Om Birla allow their MP from outer Manipur, Alfred Arthur, to speak before Modi, but that was not met. The opposition shouted non-stop in the Lok Sabha, almost drowning out Modi’s voice.
On Wednesday, Modi blamed the Congress for politicising the issue, warning there would come a time when “Manipur would reject you”.
The PM further said previous governments had not done much for peace in Manipur. Talking about his government’s efforts, he said: “The Home Minister stayed in the state for days, attempting to reach a solution with concerned parties. With the current floods in Manipur, an NDRF team has already been sent. Both the central and state governments are working together to support Manipur. We need to move away from politics and collaborate for the well-being of Manipur.”
According to Governor Anusuiya Uikey, the ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in the deaths of 219 people and the displacement of 60,000 since 3 May last year.
Last year, while replying to the no-confidence motion moved against his government, the Prime Minister spoke about the situation in Manipur for about ten minutes in a speech that lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes.
“Yesterday, Amit Bhai (Shah) said that an order from the High Court of Manipur had set off a sequence of events that led to violence in the state. Many families lost their loved ones. Terrible crimes were committed against women, and this is condemnable. To punish the perpetrators, both central and state governments are trying their best. I want to assure all citizens that all our efforts are underway and peace will soon be restored. Manipur will move forward with new atmavishwas (self-confidence) towards development soon,” Modi said.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
Also read: ‘Modi & Biren playing a game’ — Meitei group calls for resignation of ‘incompetent’ Manipur CM