Modi disregards “Mann Ki Baat” of Manipuris

For nearly 45 days, the state of Manipur has been plagued by violence, including killings, arson, and displacement of its people. Amidst this turmoil, the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only fueled anger and disappointment among the people. It is disheartening to witness the leader of our nation remain silent on such a grave issue, failing to provide much-needed reassurance and guidance. The citizens of Manipur, already enduring a distressing situation, had hoped for a statement or an appeal from PM Modi to restore peace and stability. Regrettably, it seems that his remarks, or rather the lack thereof, will not contribute to the resolution of this crisis. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, rightly criticized PM Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the Prime Minister had failed India by remaining completely silent.
Binalakshmi Nepram, the Convenor of Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace, echoed the sentiment of many when she criticized PM Modi for his silence on the ongoing crisis in Manipur. She went on to describe the present situation as “the darkest moment in the history of Manipur.” Such strong words from an advocate for peace should not be taken lightly. It is not only within political circles that criticism of Modi’s silence is being voiced. In various parts of Imphal, posters have been displayed, depicting Narendra Modi with a caption that reads, “Still missing. Have you seen this man?” The posters further describe his physical attributes, humorously suggesting that he is blind and deaf. Such acts of protest reflect the frustration and disappointment of the citizens, who feel abandoned by their leader.
One cannot overlook the fact that Prime Minister Modi has consistently communicated his views and opinions through his program “Mann Ki Baat,” wherein he addresses the nation every month, sharing human stories and discussing the development of our country. However, it is disheartening to witness him disrespect the “Mann Ki Baat” of the people of Manipur. The crisis in Manipur demands immediate attention and action from the Prime Minister. It is his duty to reassure the affected citizens and work towards restoring peace in the region. Silence, in this context, only breeds more resentment and exacerbates the suffering of the people.
We urge Prime Minister Modi to break his silence and address the crisis in Manipur with the urgency and compassion it deserves. The people of Manipur are looking to their leader for support and guidance during this dark period. It is time for the Prime Minister to listen to their pleas and take decisive action to alleviate their suffering. The nation’s leader must remember that silence in the face of adversity does not befit the responsibilities of his office. It is crucial that Prime Minister Modi reaffirms his commitment to the welfare and safety of all citizens, including those in Manipur. The time for action is now, and the people of Manipur deserve nothing less than a leader who actively seeks to resolve their grievances and restore peace to their troubled state.