Today, On 22nd March, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from Manipur as Supreme Court judges recently visited the violence-hit state. He criticized Modi for not addressing the ongoing crisis and urged him to take direct action. The visit by the judges highlights the gravity of the situation, raising concerns about the government’s response. Ramesh’s remarks add to the political pressure on the BJP-led central government.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed his welcome to the delegation of Supreme Court judges visiting Manipur on Saturday but raised a critical question regarding when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state.
Jairam Ramesh remarked,
“We welcome the six judges who have gone to Manipur. In the last 22 months, hundreds of people have died, approximately 60,000 have been displaced and are currently in relief camps, and there remains an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the communities in Manipur. President’s rule was imposed on February 13, but one must ask: Even after the Supreme Court declared on August 1, 2023, that the constitutional system in Manipur had completely collapsed, why did it take 18 months to impose President’s rule? While it’s good that Supreme Court judges have visited, the larger question is when will the Prime Minister visit?”
The delegation of judges, which included Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotishwar, visited a relief camp in Churachandpur, Manipur.
Ramesh further criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for not addressing the situation in Manipur during discussions about the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Parliament.
He stated,
“Yesterday, the Home Minister spoke for about four hours in the Rajya Sabha regarding his Ministry’s work but failed to mention much about Manipur. The NDA won the elections in February 2022 with a significant majority, but within 15 months, Manipur began to burn. There are no answers to that. There is also no explanation for why the Prime Minister hasn’t visited,”
Ramesh questioned the delay in imposing President’s rule and criticized Shah for visiting Mizoram while neglecting Manipur.
He added,
“There is no justification for the delay in imposing President’s rule. The Home Minister goes to Mizoram, but why hasn’t he gone to Manipur? The comments made by the Chief Minister of Mizoram after his trip to America raise many questions,”
He urged Prime Minister Modi to visit Manipur either before or after his trip to Bangkok, saying,
“We hope that on his way to Bangkok or while returning, the Prime Minister will take some time to visit Manipur. His visit is essential for a healing touch.”
Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok from April 2 to 4. President’s rule was implemented in Manipur on February 13 following a report from the state governor.
The violence in the state began on May 3 last year after clashes during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.