Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh questioned the Congress party’s approach, accusing them of “playing politics all the time.” He specifically criticized Congress leader Jairam Ramesh for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision not to visit the conflict-stricken state, arguing that the focus should instead be on resolving Manipur’s core issues.
Congress Actions Blamed for Manipur’s Turmoil
In a post on the social media platform X, CM Singh alleged that the Congress party’s past decisions had significantly contributed to the current crisis. He pointed to the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in the state and the signing of the SoO (Suspension of Operations) Agreement with Myanmar-based militants, actions led by former Home Minister P. Chidambaram.
“Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded by @PChidambaram_IN,” CM Singh wrote.
A Call for Forgiveness
CM Singh also addressed his recent apology to the people of Manipur, framing it as an appeal for reconciliation.
“The apology I extended today was a sincere act of expressing my grief for those displaced and homeless. As a Chief Minister, it was an appeal to forgive and forget what had happened. However, you brought politics into it,” he stated.
Remembering Past Conflicts
The Chief Minister revisited the Naga-Kuki clashes between 1992 and 1997, describing it as one of the most violent ethnic conflicts in northeast India. He detailed the loss of approximately 1,300 lives and the displacement of thousands during this period.
“This period marked one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in northeast India, deeply affecting relations between the Naga and Kuki communities,” Singh said.
He also criticized former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and IK Gujral for their inaction during the conflicts, questioning why they never visited Manipur or apologized for the violence.
“Did PV Narasimha Rao or IK Gujral visit Manipur to extend an apology? Instead of addressing the core issues, why does @INCIndia play politics over it all the time?” Singh remarked.
Congress Accuses PM Modi of Neglect
The Chief Minister’s comments followed criticism from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who questioned why PM Modi had not spoken about or visited Manipur amidst the ongoing crisis. Speaking to ANI, Ramesh called it a failure of leadership from both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
“The Prime Minister should go to Manipur and say the same thing that the CM said today. The people of Manipur are asking why the PM is neglecting us,” Ramesh asserted.
The Congress leader also described the Prime Minister’s absence as an insult to the people of Manipur and accused the BJP of failing to address the state’s ongoing challenges.
