Congress Slams Modi, Amit Shah Over Manipur Crisis on Second Anniversary of Ethnic Violence
New Delhi, May 3 — On the second anniversary of the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur, the Congress on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of gross negligence and political failure in addressing the prolonged crisis in the northeastern state.
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh took to social media platform X to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, saying, “What began on May 3, 2023, was the self-dictated, self-directed derailment of the so-called double engine sarkar in the state.”
Ramesh alleged that despite winning a strong mandate in February 2022, the BJP government failed to maintain peace and order. He pointed out that the Supreme Court, just three months after the violence erupted, was compelled to acknowledge a total breakdown of Constitutional machinery in the state.
He further recalled that the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, came only after sustained pressure and a looming no-confidence motion in the State Assembly. “Twenty months after the people demanded it,” Ramesh said, “the Modi government was forced to act.”
‘PM Has Shunned Manipur Completely’
In a direct rebuke to the Prime Minister, Ramesh said Modi has consistently “shunned” Manipur. “He has met with nobody from the state. He has gone all over the world but not once visited Manipur or reached out to its people,” he said, accusing the Prime Minister of lacking sensitivity.
Ramesh also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying the PM had “outsourced” Manipur’s crisis to him, and called Shah a “big failure” in managing the situation.
Humanitarian Crisis Persists
Highlighting the human cost of the ongoing strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, Ramesh said, “More than 220 people have been killed and over 60,000 remain internally displaced, living in relief camps under great stress.”
He accused the BJP of playing “political games” while failing to initiate any meaningful reconciliation or rehabilitation process.
“Manipur deserves better,” Ramesh said. “The people of Manipur are waiting for the Prime Minister to arrive in Imphal, travel across the state, and offer a healing touch — at least to the extent he is capable.”
The ethnic violence, which began in May 2023, has torn apart communities in the state, especially between the valley-based Meiteis and hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo groups. Despite repeated appeals from civil society, the opposition, and victims, the Centre has been widely criticized for its delayed response and lack of sustained engagement.