Modi vows to restore peace in Manipur

August 11, 2023 20 Views No Comment

PM tells the people of Manipur: ‘Know that the entire country supports you. We will face this challenge together and restore peace’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 11

In response to the no-confidence motion brought by the Congress on behalf of the Opposition parties in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today offered reassurance to the people of violence hit Manipur.

During this crucial parliamentary session, Prime Minister Modi underscored the unity of the nation behind Manipur and emphasized that collective efforts would soon restore peace to the troubled region. In a sharp critique of past Congress-led governments in Manipur and the broader northeast, the Prime Minister held them accountable for the ongoing instability.

As he delved into the discussion about Manipur, a dramatic moment unfolded in the chamber. Opposition MPs, just as the Prime Minister began addressing the state’s situation, walked out of the session.

The Prime Minister stated, “The government is committed to ensuring strict punishment for those involved in the Manipur violence. To the people of Manipur – mothers, sisters, daughters – know that the entire country supports you. We will face this challenge together and restore peace. I promise Manipur that its journey towards development will continue.”

He also took the opportunity to highlight the historical neglect of the northeastern region under the prolonged rule of the Congress party. Modi posed a rhetorical question to the chamber, “Whose government was in power then?” To which the resounding response from NDA MPs was, “Congress, Congress.”

While acknowledging Manipur’s recent strides in infrastructure and business development, Prime Minister Modi cautioned against excessive focus on politics, emphasizing that such a focus could hinder the return of peace.

However, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, the initiator of the no-confidence motion, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s response. Gogoi asserted that Prime Minister Modi evaded three critical questions raised by the newly formed opposition bloc, INDIA. The questions pertained to the Prime Minister’s reluctance to visit Manipur, the absence of action against the Chief Minister of Manipur, and the prolonged ignorance of Manipur’s plight.

The Prime Modi referred to the speech delivered by Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha the previous day, outlining the Manipur crisis and the government’s efforts to restore order. Shah had opposed the opposition’s suggestion of imposing President’s rule in BJP-governed Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution, labeling it as politically motivated.

Addressing the acts of violence against women in Manipur, the Prime Minister stated, “The Centre and the state government are working together and doing everything possible to ensure that the accused get the strictest punishment.”

In response to the Opposition’s conduct during the parliamentary session, he expressed disappointment, stating, “Had they been interested in discussing Manipur, we could have had a detailed discussion separately.” He criticized the Opposition for seemingly prioritizing political maneuvering over a sincere dialogue about the Manipur crisis.

The Prime Minister, while acknowledging the challenges faced by the government in Manipur over the past six years, expressed optimism about the region’s future. He reiterated his government’s commitment to prioritizing the development of the northeast, envisioning a brighter future for this pivotal part of the country.