New Delhi:
As the year 2024 drew to a close, Manipur remained embroiled in a cycle of ethnic violence, prompting sharp exchanges between the Congress and the ruling BJP. The state, which has seen over 250 lives lost and thousands displaced since May 2023, has become a focal point of political criticism.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recently questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Manipur despite the ongoing violence. In a post on X, Ramesh highlighted the Prime Minister’s absence from the state since May 4, 2023, contrasting it with his frequent travels across the country and the world. “Why can’t the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect,” Ramesh stated, accusing the Centre of deliberate neglect.
Responding to Ramesh’s criticism, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his regret over the violence and apologized to the people of the state. During a media address on the last day of 2024, Singh acknowledged the year’s turmoil and expressed hope for peace in the coming year. “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what’s happening till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones, and many left their homes. I feel regret, and I apologise,” he said.
Singh also appealed to the communities in the state to forgive and forget past mistakes and work towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur. However, he countered Ramesh’s criticism by pointing out historical precedents. Singh questioned why former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao did not visit Manipur during the intense ethnic conflicts of 1992-1993, and similarly, why Prime Minister IK Gujral did not visit during the Kuki-Paite clashes of 1997-1998.
The Chief Minister attributed the current unrest to past policies of the Congress, including the settlement of Burmese refugees and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants. “Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress,” Singh said, emphasizing that his apology was a sincere expression of grief for the displaced and homeless.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur, sparked by the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the Kuki tribes’ opposition, has deepened the divide between the communities, leading to widespread violence and displacement. As the state looks towards 2025, the call for peace and reconciliation remains a pressing issue.
