NEW DELHI: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday wrote a letter to President Draupadi Murmu and called for her intervention over the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
Kharge claimed that the Union government and the state government have completely failed in restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur during the last 18 months
“The country has been inflicted with a grave tragedy of extra-ordinary proportions due to the unprecedented turmoil in Manipur for the last 18 months, the ongoing turmoil has taken more than 300 human lives, including women, children and even small babies. It has internally displaced nearly a lakh of human population rendering them homeless and forcing them to live in different relief camps. The agony of the people continues unabated,” the letter read.
“As both the Union government and the state government of Manipur have completely failed in restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur during the last 18 months, the people of the state have apparently lost confidence in both the governments and reasonably so. With every passing day, the people of Manipur are becoming insecure on their own soil – their home turf having witnessed their infants, babies, children and women getting mercilessly killed. With no succor coming from the governments involved, they are finding themselves completely isolated and helpless for more than 540 days now. Indeed, they have lost their faith in the Prime Minister of India and the chief minister of the state to protect their lives and properties,” it added.
In his letter to Murmu, Kharge also pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra has not visited Manipur since May 2023 despite the demand of the people of Manipur.
“You may be aware that since May 2023 despite the demand of the people of Manipur, the Prime Minister has not visited the state. On the other hand, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha has been in Manipur thrice in the last 18 months and I, myself, have visited the state in this period. The refusal of the Prime Minister to visit Manipur is beyond anybody’s understanding,” Kharge said.
“I consider that it has become constitutionally imperative on part of yourself, Hon’ble Madam, as the President of Republic of India and the custodian of our Constitution to uphold the constitutional propriety and immediately intervene to ensure the protection of lives and properties of our own citizens in Manipur, as enshrined in the Constitution. I am confident that, through your intervention of your esteemed Office, the people of Manipur will again live peacefully in their homes in security with dignity,” he added.
Violence in Manipur continues to escalate, with ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities resulting in over 220 deaths since last year. The Congress has called for Shah’s resignation, blaming the home minister and chief minister for the state’s crisis.
The Manipur Assembly resolution adopted earlier this week demanded a “mass operation” against Kuki militants and a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Meanwhile, the internet suspension across multiple districts has been extended until November 20, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the region.