Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday, October 21, questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the continuing violence in Manipur. He accused the BJP-led government of failing to restore peace and protect civilians. He also demanded accountability for the prolonged crisis.
His remarks followed the killing of four civilians in separate incidents. The latest violence has renewed concerns about security across the conflict-hit state. Moreover, shutdowns in Kangpokpi district and the Imphal Valley highlighted growing public anger.
In a post on X, Kharge condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He said the continuing bloodshed exposed the government’s failure to maintain law and order. He also questioned its commitment to protecting constitutional rights and national security.
According to Kharge, more than 300 people have died since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023. He added that 24,530 people remained in relief camps under difficult conditions. Women, children and vulnerable families, he said, continued to suffer the consequences of the prolonged crisis.
Fresh Violence Raises Fears of Further Clashes
The latest incidents have increased tensions between communities in Manipur. Three Meitei men were killed in an ambush in Imphal East district. Separately, a 45-year-old Kuki man was shot dead in Kangpokpi district.
These killings prompted shutdowns and protests in the affected areas. Consequently, concerns have grown over the possibility of further clashes. The incidents have also raised questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements.
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities began in May 2023. Since then, it has caused widespread displacement and disrupted everyday life. Thousands of families have struggled to return to their homes. Many continue to depend on relief camps for shelter and basic necessities.
Although the state has witnessed periods of relative calm, recent incidents have shown how fragile the situation remains. Furthermore, clashes involving other communities have added to the security challenges. The latest killings have therefore renewed demands for effective intervention and lasting peace.
Kharge Questions Status of Peace Committee
Kharge raised several questions about the Centre’s efforts to resolve the crisis. First, he asked what had happened to the Peace Committee constituted by Amit Shah in June 2023.
He sought details of the committee’s work and its achievements so far. He also asked what concrete steps it had taken to protect residents and address continuing security concerns.
The Congress president argued that the government needed to explain its progress. According to him, announcements and administrative changes had not delivered lasting peace. He called for clear answers about the measures taken to prevent further violence.
Kharge also criticised Modi for not visiting Manipur for nearly 29 months after the conflict began. He alleged that the Prime Minister had failed to fulfil his assurance of restoring normalcy. The Congress leader said the Centre must now demonstrate its commitment through meaningful action.
Supreme Court Committee’s Recommendations Under Scrutiny
Kharge also questioned the government’s response to recommendations made by the Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal.
The committee has been involved in overseeing relief and rehabilitation for people displaced by the conflict. However, thousands of residents remain unable to return home safely. Kharge asked what steps the authorities had taken to address their concerns.
He also referred to the Supreme Court’s observations about unnatural deaths in relief camps. The court raised concerns over deaths among internally displaced people and questioned the handling of investigations. Kharge cited these concerns while demanding greater accountability.
In addition, he sought details of measures to protect women and children. He asked whether displaced families were receiving adequate support and rehabilitation. Their safety, dignity and access to essential services must remain priorities, he argued.
For families who have spent years away from their homes, rehabilitation remains a major concern. Therefore, the government faces pressure to improve living conditions and create a safe path towards their return.
Kharge Questions Political Changes in Manipur
Kharge argued that political changes had failed to resolve the crisis. He criticised the imposition of President’s Rule, the replacement of the Chief Minister and the subsequent return of a BJP-led government.
Despite these developments, he said, violence and displacement continued. He questioned who would accept responsibility for the situation after more than three years of conflict.
“Who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance?” Kharge asked in his criticism of the Centre. He also questioned how many more innocent lives must be lost before Modi and Shah act.
His remarks reflect the Congress party’s broader criticism of the BJP’s handling of Manipur. However, the immediate challenge remains restoring security and preventing further civilian deaths.
Manipur Needs Lasting Peace and Accountability
Kharge stressed that Manipur’s strategic location along India’s international border made stability especially important. He said the state’s security could not be separated from the need to protect constitutional rights and civilian lives.
He called for justice, dignity and lasting peace for the people of Manipur. Moreover, he urged the Centre to take responsibility for the continuing crisis and ensure that vulnerable communities receive proper support.
The latest violence has once again placed the government’s response under national scrutiny. Yet, political exchanges alone cannot address the needs of people affected by the conflict. Authorities must investigate killings, strengthen security and support displaced families.
Ultimately, restoring peace will require sustained efforts and meaningful dialogue between communities. The government must also ensure that relief and rehabilitation programmes meet the needs of those affected. For Manipur’s residents, the priority remains a safe return to normal life.
Kharge’s questions have added to the pressure on Modi and Shah to explain their approach. The central issue now is whether renewed efforts can prevent further bloodshed and deliver a durable peace settlement.