The criticism follows the arrest of members of the armed Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, which sparked further bloodshed in the state.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned why Prime Minister Modi hasn’t been to Manipur since May 2023, when the ethnic unrest started, and accused him of “abdicating” his duty to the region.
The Pain and Distress in Manipur Continues: A Nation’s Silence Amidst Crisis
The unrelenting violence and suffering in Manipur show no signs of abating, even as the nation watches in silence. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued inaction and indifference.
“This insensitive and irresponsible attitude is extremely unfortunate for any democracy,” Gandhi remarked, condemning the PM’s failure to meet with state representatives or issue any appeal for peace.
Echoing her words, Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh stated that the “pain, distress, and agony of the people of Manipur continues unabated.” The situation remains dire, with active violence still being reported in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
Ongoing Tensions and Escalating Violence
The latest unrest stems from protests over the arrest of members of the armed Meitei group Arambai Tenggol. Mobs recently stormed a police station demanding their release, leaving several people injured, including journalists.
Prohibitory orders have been imposed, and internet services suspended across the affected districts as the administration attempts to prevent further violence. But these measures have done little to soothe public anger or restore order.
Government’s Silence Under Fire
Jairam Ramesh did not hold back in his criticism of the Prime Minister, accusing him of outsourcing the state’s responsibilities to the Union Home Minister.
He further highlighted that even after the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, law and order have not improved. In a telling sign of the ground reality, the state Governor has had to rely on helicopter travel due to safety threats.
Ramesh also pointed out the glaring contradiction in the PM’s priorities: frequent foreign visits while ignoring pressing domestic crises like that of Manipur.
A Toll That Keeps Rising
The human cost of the crisis is staggering. Since May 2023, 258 people have lost their lives and over 60,000 have been displaced due to the ethnic violence.
The central government’s failure to act decisively has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and civil society alike. The crisis unfolded after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, following widespread outrage over his mishandling of the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
A Call for Accountability
As the violence drags on with no clear resolution in sight, the Congress party continues to demand accountability and concrete action from the Centre. The people of Manipur are not just facing a law and order crisis — they are enduring a humanitarian tragedy that calls for urgent national attention.