India
Violence in Manipur: Mallikarjun Kharge urges President Murmu to ‘intervene immediately to protect lives’ | India News – Times of India
Kharge alleged that the Union government and the state government have completely failed to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur in the last 18 months.
“The country has been struck by a grave tragedy of extraordinary proportions due to the unprecedented unrest in Manipur over the past 18 months. The ongoing unrest has claimed the lives of more than 300 people, including women, children and even small babies. Nearly one lakh of the human population has been internally displaced, leaving them homeless and forced to live in various relief camps.
“Since both the Union Government and the State Government of Manipur have completely failed to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur over the past eighteen months, the people of the State have apparently lost confidence in both the governments, and reasonably . With each passing day, The people of Manipur are becoming insecure in their own territory; their homeland has witnessed the merciless killing of their babies, infants, children and women. Without help from the governments involved, they have found themselves in dire straits. They have now been isolated and helpless for more than 540 days. In fact, they have lost confidence in the Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of the State to protect their lives and property,” 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 from the people of Manipur.
“You may be aware that the Prime Minister has not visited the state since May 2023 despite the demand of the people of Manipur. On the other hand, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha has been to Manipur thrice in the last eighteen months. and I myself visited the state during this period. The PM’s refusal to visit Manipur is beyond everyone’s understanding,” Kharge said.
“I am of the view that it has become constitutionally necessary for you, Dear Madam, as President of the Republic of India and custodian of our Constitution to uphold constitutional propriety and take immediate action to ensure the protection of lives and property of our Constitution to guarantee. I am confident that through your intervention from your esteemed office, the people of Manipur will live peacefully and safely in their homes again,” he added.
Violence in Manipur continues to escalate, with ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities leading to more than 220 deaths since last year. The Congress has called for Shah’s resignation and blamed the interior minister and the prime minister for the state crisis.
The Manipur Assembly resolution passed earlier this week demanded a “mass operation” against it Kuki militants and a revision of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Meanwhile, the internet suspension has been extended in several districts until November 20, underscoring the continued volatility in the region.
