New Delhi, May 3 (PTI) – The Congress party has called for fresh elections in Manipur, asserting that the situation in the state remains dire despite the imposition of President’s rule. Speaking at a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Saptagiri Ulaka, the Congress in-charge for Manipur, highlighted that two years have elapsed since ethnic violence erupted, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 70,000 individuals.
Ulaka described the ongoing crisis as one of India’s gravest humanitarian issues and suggested that the violence may have been deliberately instigated. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on international travels and domestic events, yet has neglected to address the turmoil in Manipur. “We have asked for a discussion on Manipur numerous times, yet Modi ji continues to remain silent. It took 20 months for President’s rule to be enacted, and even now, the situation on the ground is anything but normal,” he stated.
The current President’s rule was imposed on February 13, shortly after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and the assembly has since operated under suspended animation. Ulaka criticized the timing of the government’s actions, claiming that it was only after the Congress announced plans for a no-confidence motion that President’s rule was enforced.
Condemning the government’s approach, Ulaka emphasized the urgent need for the Prime Minister to visit Manipur to restore peace and support those who have been displaced. He lamented the lack of action since the establishment of the Ajay Lamba-led Commission of Inquiry and stressed that the government appears disinterested in resolving the crisis.
“The Prime Minister should provide assurance to the people of Manipur about the steps to return to normalcy,” Ulaka urged, vowing that the Congress would persist in advocating for the rights of the citizens until justice is served.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh, president of the Congress’ Manipur unit, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being the “architect” of the violence and questioned their commitment to restoring peace. He expressed distrust toward the Modi government, even with President’s rule in place, insisting on the necessity of fresh elections. “We believe that a Congress government can facilitate peace in Manipur,” Singh remarked, appealing for communal harmony and arguing against the inefficacy of force in achieving stability.
Singh further criticized the government’s failure to protect lives during the turmoil, labeling the double-engine government ineffective. He called for a new mandate, asserting that the constitutional machinery has failed to deliver the necessary intervention.
The Congress party is determined to maintain pressure on the central government, emphasizing that a proactive approach is essential for restoring order and ensuring the safety of the people in Manipur.
As the crisis in Manipur continues, the demand for renewed elections grows, with political leaders urging immediate action to address the humanitarian plight unfolding in the region.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/manipur-violence-not-ending-bjp-cannot-bring-peace-congress-demands-fresh-assembly-elections-on-2nd-anniversary-1769767
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Publish Date: 2025-05-03 19:37:00
