Days before the scheduled all-party meet called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the escalating ethnic clashes in Manipur, a unique twist has emerged as senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizes the timing of the meeting. His criticism stems from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a visit to the United States, according to media reports.
Expressing his concern on Twitter, Rahul Gandhi stated, "Manipur has been engulfed in flames for the past 50 days, yet the Prime Minister has remained silent. An all-party meeting has been scheduled during his absence from the country! Evidently, this meeting does not hold much importance for the Prime Minister."
Advertisement
The opposition has wasted no time in questioning the prolonged silence of Prime Minister Modi regarding the crisis. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi went as far as describing the violence as a "deep wound" inflicted upon the state. Interestingly, just a day before the scheduled meeting, opposition leaders from various parties are set to gather in Patna to strategize and counter the BJP in the upcoming 2024 elections.
This forthcoming all-party meeting represents a significant step by the Centre to engage political parties across the spectrum in addressing the crisis in Manipur. According to an official, Amit Shah has extended invitations to all political parties, and the meeting is expected to take place at the Parliament Library building. The aim of the meeting is to facilitate discussions and find a way forward to break the deadlock.
Advertisement
Amit Shah had previously visited Manipur for four days, where he interacted with a diverse range of individuals as part of his efforts to restore peace. During his visit, he met with victims from both the Meitei and Kuki communities in relief camps, assuring them of adequate security measures. Shah emphasized that the government's primary focus is ensuring the safe return of individuals to their homes. Furthermore, he made several promises, contingent upon the cessation of violence.
Despite the initial clashes that occurred from May 3 to 5, Manipur has experienced a second wave of violence characterized by arson and shootings in areas dividing the Kuki-dominated hills and the Meitei-dominated valley. The most devastating incident in this recent escalation of violence took place on the night of June 13 in Aigejang village, Kangpokpi district, where nine individuals lost their lives due to firing and arson.
Notably, the recent episodes of violence have also targeted the residences of elected representatives, including several from the ruling BJP. In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister's Office earlier this week, eight BJP MLAs from Manipur highlighted the loss of public trust in the state government.
