The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, alleging that his focus remains on election rallies, speeches and public appearances rather than “saving the lives and honour of daughters” in the state.
“If elections were being held in Manipur, perhaps Modi ji would remember it,” the party said in a post on X while sharing a ground report by India Today.
The AAP’s latest salvo against PM Modi comes amid heightened tensions between the Meiteis and the Kukis in Manipur following the deaths of two children in a suspected rocket attack on April 7.
TENSIONS ERUPT IN MANIPUR
Fresh violence has shaken Manipur after a suspected rocket hit a civilian home in Bishnupur district, killing two young children and leaving their mother critically injured.
Following the attack, angry locals allegedly set fire to two oil tankers and a truck passing through Bishnupur, triggering tensions in the district. They also demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and swift justice for the victims.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) also held a protest rally in Imphal, with protestors holding placards and banners demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam over the incident.
The protestors were met with tear gas shells by the local police as they allegedly defied curfew restrictions, which were imposed after the April 7 explosion.
FIVE-DAY SHUTDOWN BEGINS
A five-day total shutdown called by civil society groups, which began on April 18, to protest the deaths has brought normal life to a standstill across Manipur’s valley districts.
The shutdown is being spearheaded by the Meira Paibis (women torchbearers), various civil society organisations, and a people’s collective formed in response to the fatal blast.
Thousands of people took to the streets at various places across valley districts on Sunday evening. Night rallies were organised at various locations in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
Clashes between protesters and security personnel were also reported in some places, including in the Kakching district. Security forces used tear gas shells to disperse agitators at several places and warned that anti-social elements could infiltrate the protests to engage in violent activities.
Security has been heightened across sensitive zones in view of the demonstrations, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any escalation.
ETHNIC STRIFE SINCE 2023
Ethnic violence first erupted in Churachandpur district on May 3, 2023, following a mass rally organised by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, a tribal organisation. The rally was held in opposition to the recommendation for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.
Thousands of Meiteis residing in Churachandpur fled as an irate mob vandalised and set fire to their homes. In retaliation, properties belonging to thousands of Kukis were also vandalised and torched in the valley.
Since the outbreak of violence, over 250 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced.
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