Congress Questions PM Modi's Silence on Manipur Crisis Amid BJP Allegations

The Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur since violence erupted in May 2023, countering BJP's allegations that the opposition is 'stoking fire' in the troubled state. This response follows comments by BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad urging Congress to collaborate in resolving the state's issues.

The Congress on Tuesday retaliated against the BJP over allegations that it was 'stoking fire' in Manipur, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet visited the violence-stricken state.

BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad urged the Congress to cooperate in efforts to address the issues in Manipur.

'The Congress needs to expand its focus beyond Manipur. It's a sensitive area and requires collective effort. Let the Congress stop inciting unrest in Manipur,' Prasad conveyed during a press conference.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh responded, in a tagged clip of Prasad's remarks, asking why the 'globe-trotting' PM has been absent from Manipur since the crisis began in May 2023, despite visiting other states and countries.

'Why has the prime minister not visited Manipur or engaged with its leaders?' Ramesh questioned during a press briefing at the AICC headquarters.

Ramesh noted that PM Modi had traveled to Assam and Tripura but still had not addressed the situation in Manipur.

Manipur remains tense, with no return to normalcy in the state, he added.

'Manipur is a crucial part of India. Why is PM Modi ignoring it?' Ramesh asked further.

Prasad's comments came after Ramesh accused PM Modi of speaking with international leaders on global issues while remaining silent on domestic matters, including the crisis in Manipur and Chinese incursions in Ladakh.

Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, after tribal protests against the Meitei community's push for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 220 people have died in the ensuing conflict involving the Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel.

(With inputs from agencies.)