New Delhi [India]: Congress MP Jairam Ramesh commemorated the anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) by delivering a pointed critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of neglecting Manipur, despite his frequent international travels. He highlighted Modi’s lack of engagement with Manipur’s political leadership, including members of his own party.
आज से ठीक एक साल पहले भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस ने मणिपुर से भारत जोड़ो न्याय यात्रा की शुरुआत की थी। BJNY ऐतिहासिक कन्याकुमारी से कश्मीर तक हुई भारत जोड़ो यात्रा का अनुसरण करते हुए 15 राज्यों से गुजरी थी और 6,600 किलोमीटर की दूरी को कवर किया था। इसका समापन 16 मार्च 2024 को मुंबई… pic.twitter.com/QVPAXQ10jN
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 14, 2025
“Today, exactly a year ago, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was launched by the Indian National Congress from Manipur. The BJNY followed in the wake of the historic Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra and covered 6,600 km through 15 states, culminating in Mumbai on March 16, 2024,” Ramesh recalled.
“Manipur still awaits a visit by the Prime Minister, who has found the time, inclination, and energy to go all over the world – but has not seen it necessary to reach out to the distressed people of Manipur. He has steadfastly refused to meet with political leaders of Manipur, including his own party legislators and the CM himself,” Ramesh added.
He also underscored the ongoing plight of the state, noting, “The agony of Manipur has continued unabated since May 3, 2023.” Ramesh criticized the recent postponement of a study tour to the state by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports.
On Monday, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi acknowledged the persistence of violence in Manipur but assured that security forces were working to restore peace.
“In Manipur, cyclic incidents of violence are continuing, but security forces are working to bring in peace. Enhanced surveillance and dominance over the Myanmar border are on. Fencing is also in progress,” Dwivedi stated.
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted on May 3, 2023, following a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The rally was in response to a Manipur High Court directive for the state to consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.