Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, urging him to remove Manipur’s Chief Minister, whom he termed “incompetent,” as the first step in addressing the ongoing unrest in the state. Kharge also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of transforming Manipur into a battlefield and weaponizing violence against women and children.
The backdrop of Kharge’s criticism stems from a recent clash in the Singjamei area of Imphal, where Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel clashed with locals protesting the disappearance and subsequent killing of two students who had been missing since July 6. The confrontation resulted in tear gas being fired, rubber bullets being deployed, and baton charges, leaving 45 protesters, primarily students, injured.
“For 147 days, the people of Manipur have been suffering, yet Prime Minister Modi has not found the time to visit the state. The distressing images of students being targeted in this violence have once again shocked the entire nation,” Kharge stated.
He went on to assert, “It is now evident that violence against women and children has been weaponized in this strife. The once-beautiful state of Manipur has been transformed into a battlefield, all because of the BJP.”
Kharge emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “It is high time Prime Minister Modi sacks the BJP’s incompetent Chief Minister of Manipur. This would be the first step to quell any further turmoil.”
The Congress party has consistently critiqued the government over the Manipur violence issue and questioned why the Prime Minister has not personally visited the strife-ridden state.
As of Wednesday morning, the situation in Imphal remained relatively calm but tense following the previous night’s clash between students and RAF personnel. A significant deployment of Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and RAF personnel was observed throughout Imphal Valley in anticipation of potential protests and violence.
While the state government declared a school holiday for Wednesday, students from some Imphal-based institutions have vowed to assemble at their schools, raising concerns of possible protests later in the day.
Summary:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for the removal of Manipur’s Chief Minister amidst ongoing turmoil in the state.
- Kharge accused the BJP of weaponizing violence against women and children in Manipur.
- Recent clashes in Imphal between RAF personnel and locals protesting the killing of two missing students have left 45 protesters injured.
- Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur despite 147 days of suffering in the state.
- The situation in Imphal remains calm but tense, with a significant deployment of security forces. Students’ plans to gather at schools raise concerns of further protests.
