IT News
New Delhi, March 11:
The Manipur crisis took center stage in the Lok Sabha today as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in a heated debate. Gogoi criticized the government for failing to resolve the conflict, questioning the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the state. In response, Sitharaman accused the Congress MP of unfairly attacking the Prime Minister.
Gogoi pointed out that PM Modi, in his August 2023 no-confidence motion speech, had assured that peace would return to Manipur at the earliest. However, he argued that the ongoing unrest proved the government’s failure. “What is the status of the Manipur Vidhan Sabha? Has it been dissolved, or is it under animated suspension? The Home Minister must clarify and take responsibility,” he demanded. Gogoi also insisted that force alone cannot bring peace, calling for direct engagement with the people and a visit by the Prime Minister. His remarks led to a strong reaction from NDA MPs, causing disruptions in the house.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur accused the Centre of neglecting Manipur’s hill districts, where 95% of the tribal population resides. He highlighted that no MNREGA funds had been allocated for 2024-25, and job opportunities in the region had dwindled. “There are no investments, no jobs—the hills of Manipur are being left behind,” he stated, criticizing the lack of development initiatives in the region.
Amid the heated discussion, BJP MP Sambit Patra urged members to handle the Manipur issue with sensitivity, warning that statements made in Parliament could worsen the situation. However, Samajwadi Party MP Neeraj Maurya countered that if the government was truly concerned, it should visit Manipur and facilitate talks between communities. He also suggested convening an all-party meeting to gather inputs and ensure peace.