Opposition Slams Centre Over Manipur Crisis, Demands PM Modi’s Visit and Restoration of Democracy

New Delhi, April 4​

Opposition parties launched a scathing attack on the central government in Parliament on Friday, accusing it of failing to control the ongoing violence in BJP-ruled Manipur. They demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately visit the conflict-hit northeastern state and take concrete steps to restore peace and democratic processes.

During a discussion on the statutory resolution concerning the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, led the charge. He asserted that the Modi-led government had utterly failed in its responsibility to maintain law and order in Manipur despite enjoying a political majority in the state.

"Manipur Has Been Burning for Two Years"​

“For nearly two years, Manipur has been burning, and the government has completely failed to stop the violence,” Kharge said. He accused the BJP's "double-engine" government of delivering not stability, but “bloodshed, division, and economic collapse.”

Kharge urged the prime minister to personally visit Manipur, engage with those affected, and take immediate measures to reestablish peace. He further demanded a thorough inquiry into the violence and the tabling of a white paper in Parliament to provide transparency on the events and the government’s actions.

Devastating Toll: Over 260 Dead, Thousands Displaced​

The Congress leader highlighted the grave humanitarian toll of the crisis, stating that more than 260 people have lost their lives, thousands have been displaced, and religious sites destroyed since ethnic violence began two years ago. He added that over 4,700 houses and 13,000 structures, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, have been destroyed in the state since 2023.

Kharge lamented the Centre’s inaction, saying, “When one of our states is burning under your rule, you can't be a bystander.”

Broad Opposition Condemnation​

Several leaders from opposition parties echoed similar concerns:

• Sanjay Singh (AAP) criticised PM Modi for not visiting the violence-hit state and pressed for the restoration of the electoral process.
• Kanimozhi NVN Somu (DMK) described President's Rule as a “cover-up” and a “direct assault on federalism.”
• Sagarika Ghosh (TMC) demanded a “gesture of peace” from the Prime Minister.
• Priyanka Chaturvedi (SS-UBT) called on the PM to ensure the restoration of law and order and resumption of democratic processes.
• Other voices, including Abdul Wahab (IUML), Sandosh Kumar P (CPI), Sanjay Yadav (RJD), and Derek O’Brien (TMC), also joined the chorus of concern over the central government’s handling of the situation.

The opposition collectively rejected President’s Rule as a viable solution, emphasizing that restoring democracy and normalcy in Manipur must be the top priority.