Navi Mumbai, July 29, 2024 — Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), sharply criticized the central government’s handling of the Manipur crisis during a public event in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Pawar accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting his responsibilities by failing to visit Manipur amid escalating unrest.
“Manipur faces a severe crisis, and it is crucial for the central authorities to directly engage with the situation, reassure the affected populace, and work towards restoring peace. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has not considered it important to visit Manipur and provide support to its people,” Pawar said.
Pawar highlighted the significant breakdown of communal harmony in Manipur, a state historically known for its diverse communities living peacefully together. “Communities that once lived in harmony are now deeply divided. The situation has deteriorated, affecting agriculture and leading to violence, including against women. Recent parliamentary discussions and the movement of affected individuals to Delhi reflect the gravity of the crisis,” he added.
The violence in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, began with clashes during a rally by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) protesting the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a high-level review in June and issued directives aimed at curbing the violence.