PM Modi's ASEAN Venture: Ignoring Manipur's Distress?

As PM Narendra Modi visits Laos for the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits, Congress criticizes his refusal to visit the violence-stricken Manipur in northeast India. Congress questions why Modi has not addressed the tragic situation in Manipur, which has experienced turmoil and loss of life since May 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Laos for the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits has stirred criticism from the Congress party. They question Modi's decision to overlook the ongoing crisis in Manipur, a key state in India's northeast that serves as a gateway to ASEAN.

Modi's trip to the ASEAN region, by invitation of Lao PDR's Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, aims to enhance ties. However, Congress accuses the PM of neglecting Manipur, which has seen tragic violence since May 2023, with over 220 casualties from clashes.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress's communication in-charge, chastised Modi for not visiting Manipur, expressing confusion over this oversight despite the state's suffering. The Congress maintains that it is imperative for Modi to acknowledge the turmoil facing Manipur's residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)