Congress MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed the Supreme Court judges’ visit to Manipur on Saturday but raised a crucial question—when will Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit the violence-hit state?
Speaking to ANI, Ramesh said, “We welcome the six judges who have gone to Manipur. In the last 22 months, hundreds have died, around 60,000 have been displaced, and even today, there is an atmosphere of fear and doubt among communities. President’s rule was imposed on February 13, but the Supreme Court had already stated on August 1, 2023, that the constitutional system in Manipur had completely collapsed. Why did it take 18 months to impose President’s rule? The bigger question remains—when will the Prime Minister visit?”
The Supreme Court delegation, consisting of Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotishwar, visited a relief camp in Churachandpur, Manipur, to assess the situation.
Ramesh also took aim at Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning why he avoided discussing Manipur during his four-hour-long speech in Rajya Sabha on the working of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“The NDA won the Manipur elections in February 2022 with a huge majority, but within 15 months, Manipur started burning. There is no answer to why the Prime Minister did not visit. There is no explanation for why it took so long to impose President’s rule,” Ramesh said.
He further criticized Shah for visiting Mizoram but ignoring Manipur, stating, “The Home Minister visited Mizoram, but why didn’t he go to Manipur? The statements made by Mizoram’s Chief Minister after his US visit also raise many questions.”
The Congress leader urged Modi to prioritize a visit to Manipur, suggesting he could do so while traveling to or returning from Bangkok, where he is set to attend the BIMSTEC Summit from April 2 to 4.
“We hope that while heading to Bangkok or on his return, the Prime Minister spares some time for Manipur. His visit is crucial for providing a healing touch,” Ramesh added.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, following clashes during a rally by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The unrest led to the imposition of President’s rule on February 13, 2024.
With the Supreme Court delegation now on the ground, opposition leaders continue to question the Centre’s delay in action and the Prime Minister’s absence from the conflict-hit region.
