New Delhi [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday defended the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, asserting that the decision was taken due to the political situation and not because the government was unable to handle violence in the state. He also expressed hope that both communities in Manipur will engage in dialogue to resolve their conflict.
President’s Rule: A Political Decision, Not a Failure
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah dismissed opposition claims that the imposition of President’s Rule was due to the central government’s inability to manage the situation.
🔹 “We did not impose President’s Rule to overthrow the government like Congress used to do,” he said.
🔹 “After the CM’s resignation, no party proposed an alternative government, so President’s Rule was necessary.”
🔹 “Violence had stopped months before the resignation. A myth should not be created that the central government failed to handle the situation.”
Shah contrasted BJP’s handling of the crisis with previous Congress rule, stating:
⚠️ “Under Congress, Manipur had curfews for 225 days a year.”
⚠️ “1,500 people were killed in encounters during their tenure.”
Next Meeting of Manipur’s Warring Communities to Be Held in Delhi
Amit Shah revealed that 13 meetings have already taken place between the warring Meitei and Kuki communities, and a final round of discussions will soon be held in Delhi.
📌 “It was a High Court order that triggered the violence in May 2023. The interpretation led to insecurity among tribals, turning it into a tribals vs. non-tribals issue.”
📌 “We continued peace efforts, and we are confident that both communities will engage in dialogue.”
Opposition Slams Government’s Handling of Manipur Crisis
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized the BJP government, accusing it of failing to stop the violence.
🚨 “For two years, Manipur has been burning, and the government has failed to restore peace.”
🚨 “More than 260 people have died, 60,000 displaced, yet the BJP watched in silence.”
🚨 “The PM has time for election rallies but not for Manipur. Why has Modi not visited the state?”
Kharge demanded:
🔹 A White Paper on Manipur violence
🔹 A full inquiry into the handling of the crisis
Shah Accuses Opposition of Political Opportunism
Amit Shah hit back at the opposition, accusing them of double standards and political opportunism.
“Political sallies won’t heal the wounds of those affected by violence,” he said, referring to TMC MP Derek O’Brien raising the issue of women’s abuse in Manipur while remaining silent on similar cases in West Bengal.
🔹 “There was racial violence in Manipur, but in Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, hundreds of women were abused. Your government did nothing.”
What’s Next for Manipur?
🔹 The central government wants to restore a democratic government soon and does not wish to continue President’s Rule any longer than necessary.
🔹 Dialogue between Meitei and Kuki communities is expected to continue in Delhi.
🔹 Political parties remain deeply divided over the BJP government’s handling of the crisis.
With political tensions high, the road to peace in Manipur remains uncertain. 🚨