Editor
NEW DELHI: As Manipur grapples with escalating violence, Amit Malviya, the Incharge of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Information and Technology Department, has squarely placed the blame on the Congress party. In a recent statement, Malviya accused the Congress of perpetuating chaos and conflict, suggesting that the roots of the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur can be traced back to the party's governance in the 1990s and subsequent years. Highlighting the Churachandpur protests against the Okram Ibobi Singh government between 2015 and 2017, Malviya emphasized the Congress' role in fanning the flames of unrest.
Responding to Malviya's allegations, K.C. Venugopal, a prominent member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and former Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Power, criticized the BJP-led government's handling of the situation. Venugopal argued that the BJP's call for an all-party meeting came too late, branding it as an insufficient response after 50 days of death and destruction in Manipur. He further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the meeting, calling it a display of cowardice and an unwillingness to confront the government's failures. Venugopal also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress made under Home Minister Amit Shah's stewardship, questioning whether genuine peace can be achieved under his leadership.
Venugopal further highlighted the importance of on-the-ground discussions in Manipur itself, stressing the need for all conflicting communities to come together and find a political solution. He contended that any effort for peace must take place within Manipur rather than in Delhi, and urged the central government to intervene more seriously in resolving the crisis.
With the blame game between the BJP and the Congress intensifying, the people of Manipur find themselves caught in the crossfire. Both parties are being urged to prioritize the well-being of Manipur's citizens over their political agendas. The situation demands immediate action, collaboration, and a sincere effort from all political leaders involved to restore peace and security in Manipur.
As the nation awaits a resolution, it is crucial for leaders like Amit Malviya and K.C. Venugopal to rise above political rhetoric and work together in the interest of the people of Manipur. The government's swift and effective intervention is of utmost importance to bring an end to the violence and create a path toward lasting peace in the region.