The political tension surrounding the ongoing crisis in Manipur has escalated further as the Congress party accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of violating Article 174 of the Indian Constitution. The Congress has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally visit Manipur and address the volatile situation, which has been spiraling out of control for months.
Alleged Constitutional Violation
The Congress party claims that the state government of Manipur has breached Article 174 of the Constitution, which mandates that the gap between two sessions of a state legislature should not exceed six months. According to the opposition, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has not convened a session since August 2023, exceeding the stipulated period and thereby violating constitutional provisions.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted this issue, stating that the lack of assembly sessions has effectively deprived elected representatives of their platform to discuss and deliberate upon the crisis engulfing the state. He emphasized that the government’s failure to convene the assembly has hindered efforts to restore peace and order in Manipur.
Ongoing Unrest in Manipur
Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily involving clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands of people. Despite multiple appeals from political leaders and civil society groups, the state remains on edge, with reports of fresh violence emerging periodically.
The unrest has deeply polarized the state, with both communities accusing each other of targeted attacks and atrocities. Many affected residents continue to live in relief camps, facing dire humanitarian conditions. The failure to achieve any lasting resolution has prompted criticism of both the state and central governments.
Congress Appeals to PM Modi
In light of the escalating crisis, the Congress has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and assess the situation firsthand. Party leaders argue that the Prime Minister’s intervention could send a strong message of unity and instill confidence among the affected communities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stressed that the continued absence of the Prime Minister from the conflict-hit region reflects the government’s apathy toward the suffering of Manipur’s people. He asserted that a high-level visit led by the Prime Minister is necessary to demonstrate the Centre’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.
Government’s Defense
The BJP-led state government, however, has rejected the Congress’s allegations. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh defended his administration’s actions, stating that efforts to restore peace are ongoing and that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to curb violence.
State officials argue that the situation is gradually improving and that steps are being taken to facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes. They also maintain that assembly sessions will resume as per the appropriate legislative schedule.
Constitutional Experts Weigh In
Legal experts have weighed in on the alleged violation of Article 174, with some agreeing that the prolonged absence of assembly sessions could indeed constitute a breach of constitutional provisions. They argue that legislative assemblies play a critical role in addressing crises by enabling elected representatives to voice the concerns of their constituents.
Others, however, believe that the situation in Manipur is exceptional and may warrant some flexibility. They stress that while procedural lapses should not be overlooked, the immediate priority should be restoring peace and ensuring the safety of residents.
The Road Ahead
As the political battle intensifies, residents of Manipur continue to grapple with uncertainty and fear. Civil society groups have urged both the state and central governments to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
The Congress has vowed to escalate its campaign until the assembly is convened and the Prime Minister visits Manipur. Meanwhile, the BJP leadership remains focused on containing the violence and rebuilding trust among the state’s diverse communities.
The situation in Manipur underscores the delicate balance between governance, constitutional propriety, and humanitarian concerns. How the central and state governments navigate this crisis will have significant implications for both the people of Manipur and the broader political landscape in India.
