Congress Imposed President's Rule In Manipur 10 Times: PM Modi Tears Into Opposition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Manipur issue in parliament, responding to the Opposition's accusations that he had "turned his back" on the violence-hit state.

During his speech, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Opposition for "politicising" the sensitive issue and assured that the Centre is dedicated to bringing normalcy to Manipur.

PM Modi stated that violence in Manipur has been declining and that schools have reopened in most parts of the state.

"Violence has been declining and schools have reopened in most parts of the state," he told the Rajya Sabha.

In a sharp rejoinder to the Congress, PM Modi highlighted that the state had been placed under President's rule 10 times in the past.

"Those who are raking the issue had abandoned it. One day, Manipur will reject you," he said.

He further added, "Those who know the history of Manipur, they know there's a long history of social conflict in Manipur. No one can deny that the root of this social conflict is very deep. Congress people should not forget, President's rule had to be imposed 10 times in such a small state. There must have been a reason. It didn't happen under our government," alluding to the long rule of the Congress in Manipur.

PM Modi stressed that both the Centre and state governments are actively engaging with all stakeholders to restore peace.

"The central and state governments are talking to all stakeholders to restore peace. Home Minister Amit Shah stayed there (Manipur) for many days," he said.

The PM's remarks came a day after the Lok Sabha witnessed disruptions and protests by Opposition leaders during his address. The Opposition's protests were fueled by the abrupt cut-off of an MP from Manipur during a speech. When PM Modi began his speech, the protests intensified with louder slogans and table thumping, including chants of "Manipur, Manipur" and "Justice for Manipur," which prompted a reprimand from the Speaker.

On Monday, Congress' Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam expressed his disappointment over the lack of any reference to the ethnic violence-hit state in President Droupadi Murmu's address.

The ethnic violence that started in May 2023 between the valley-dominant Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times - has resulted in over 220 deaths and nearly 50,000 internally displaced people.

The general category Meiteis seek inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the tribes, who share ethnic ties with people in neighboring Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram, demand a separate administrative unit carved out of Manipur.