Manipur crisis ignored in Union Budget, Centre must act now: Meghachandra

Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra today criticised the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it failed to address the gravity of the prolonged crisis in the state and demanded immediate corrective measures from the Centre.
Addressing reporters, Meghachandra said that despite the budget being substantial in overall figures, it lacked intent and urgency with regard to Manipur, which continues to face displacement, economic disruption and deep social distress. He remarked that the people had expected decisive national intervention but found no provision for a special package, reconstruction mission or employment roadmap.
He maintained that routine schemes for the Northeast could not be described as special attention, asserting that Manipur required political sensitivity and bold intervention rather than administrative continuity. Questioning the Centre’s claims of inclusive growth, he asked how such a vision could coexist with the neglect of a state that urgently required healing and rebuilding.
Referring to the ongoing violence since May 3, 2023, Meghachandra said Manipur had witnessed prolonged ethnic unrest and humanitarian distress, leading to loss of lives, large-scale displacement and damage to infrastructure. He added that the Union Budget did not reflect the seriousness of the situation on the ground.
Stressing that Manipur was seeking accountability and not charity, the Congress leader said a country aspiring to global leadership could not afford to ignore a border state vital to national unity and security. He urged the Union Government to immediately announce a Special Crisis Package, accelerate rehabilitation efforts, rebuild damaged infrastructure and restore livelihoods.
Summing up his criticism, Meghachandra said that while the budget appeared large in numbers, for Manipur it was painfully small in intent.