Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi to Address Manipur Crisis

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Manipur, criticizing Union Home Minister Amit Shah for not taking sufficient action to restore peace. Gandhi highlighted that Manipur’s state of unrest has persisted since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023, primarily involving the Meitei and Kuki communities. Over 200 people have died, and thousands remain displaced as ethnic tensions continue to disrupt the northeastern state.

During his visit to Manipur, Gandhi, who has previously toured the region to meet victims and assess the situation, emphasized the need for direct intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described the turmoil as a “tremendous tragedy,” noting that his recent trip marked his third visit since the violence began. According to Gandhi, there has been “no improvement” in the conditions over the months. He urged PM Modi to visit Manipur to demonstrate empathy and build trust among the affected residents. This, Gandhi believes, could provide a sense of comfort and a pathway toward stability.

In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed security officials to expedite efforts to restore peace and maintain order. Shah’s directives focused on collaborative measures with state authorities to control violence and prevent further escalations. Despite these assurances, Gandhi remained skeptical about the government’s proactive engagement, attributing the persistence of unrest to political inaction and alleged vested interests at play.

The ethnic violence has created an environment marked by fear and division, with relief camps still housing many displaced individuals. Gandhi, during his visit, interacted with people from both the Meitei and Kuki communities and pledged that the Congress party stands ready to support initiatives that promote peace. He reiterated the importance of dialogue and mutual respect as essential steps toward a long-term solution, stating that “violence and hatred” offer no viable resolution.

This visit comes after Gandhi’s significant political activities, including his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and his recent election as the leader of the opposition following Congress’s electoral victories in Manipur. His presence aims to pressure the central government into taking decisive and empathetic action.