10 Oppn parties question PM Modi's deafening silence on Manipur

NT Bureau, Agencies

New Delhi: Ten Opposition parties of Manipur led by the Congress on Saturday questioned the “silence” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the continued violence in the northeastern state, while urging him to meet them and make an appeal for peace.

Addressing a press conference with other leaders, Manipur’s three-time former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said they have sought a meeting with the Prime Minister and were awaiting his response before he leaves for his foreign tour on June 20. The Congress leader said that the violence was continuing in the state since May 3 and the “silence” of Prime Minister Modi is “hurting” Manipur.

“There is a hue and cry everywhere, with 20,000 people, including women and children, taking shelter in camps. However, the Prime Minister has not yet expressed anything regarding Manipur. Is Manipur a part of India or not? If it is, why hasn’t the Prime Minister of India spoken about it,” he asked. Congress general secretary communications Jairam Ramesh said the leaders of 10 Opposition parties had sent an email to the Prime Minister on June 10 for a meeting with them but have not received any response.

“There is only one reason why Manipur is burning and it is the ideology of the RSS and the politics of the BJP. It is not just Manipur, other states of the northeast are facing huge issues. This is the time of dealing with all militant organisations,” he claimed. Ibobi Singh said their intention is not to take political advantage. “We simply seek peace. Please help us,” the former state chief minister said.