NEW DELHI: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh has responded sharply to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “absence” from the conflict-affected state. Singh attributed Manipur’s continued challenges to what he called the “sins of the Congress”, highlighting decisions taken during previous administrations.
“Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in crisis today due to past sins committed by the Congress,” Singh said, directly addressing Ramesh in X. He cited the repeated settlements of Burmese refugees and the signing of the Suspension of Operations. (SoO) Deal with Myanmar-based militants, which he claims were initiated during the tenure of then Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram.
Ramesh had earlier questioned why Prime Minister Modi had avoided visiting Manipur despite the prolonged unrest in the state. “Why can’t the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4, 2023, even while traveling by plane across the country and the world,” Ramesh said.
Singh defended Modi’s stance, focusing attention on Congress’s past handling of ethnic conflicts in the region. “The clashes began in 1992 and continued with varying intensities for about five years (1992-1997). This period marked one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in northeast India, deeply affecting relations between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur.”
“Shri PV Narasimha Rao, who served as Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996 and was President of the Indian National Congress during this time, came to Manipur to offer an apology? The Kuki-Paite clashes It claimed 350 lives in the state. During most of the Kuki-Paite clashes (1997-1998), Shri IK Gujral was the Prime Minister of India. Did you visit Manipur and ask people for forgiveness? Singh asked.
The chief minister argued that the Congress’s focus on politics was undermining efforts to resolve Manipur’s core problems. He also referenced his recent apology to the victims of the 2023 violence: “The apology I offered today was a sincere act of expressing my pain for the people who were left displaced and homeless.”
Singh’s remarks followed his New Year’s Eve speech, where he outlined measures for Manipur’s recovery, including a significant reduction in violence and a roadmap for rehabilitation and development. The state has reported a sharp decline in casualties and unrest since May 2023, with more than 2,000 displaced families returning to their homes and numerous welfare initiatives launched.
“Our commitment is unwavering. These measures not only aim at rehabilitation but also aim to propel Manipur towards self-reliance and growth,” the Manipur CM said.
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