New Delhi, July 2: On Monday, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP-led government of pushing Manipur into a “civil war” through its policies and politics. During the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence.
“You have immersed Manipur into a civil war. Manipur has been burnt by you, your policies, and your politics,” Gandhi declared in Parliament. He suggested the government’s inaction and lack of acknowledgment exacerbated the crisis. Gandhi also highlighted the plight of women in the northeastern state, pointing out the exclusion of women from the government’s organization.
Ethnic violence has plagued Manipur since May last year when Kuki tribals protested against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Despite the turmoil, Prime Minister Modi has yet to visit the state, according to Gandhi.