IT News
New Delhi, July 30:
During the ongoing Parliament session, Alfred Kanngam S Arthur, the MP from Manipur Outer Parliamentary constituency, sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur during its times of crisis. Addressing the Parliament, Arthur questioned, “Why don’t you want to come to Manipur? For ten years, we have listened to your ‘Mann ki Baat’. Can you not even hear the cries of the women and children who cannot go back to their homes in our small state?”
Arthur also condemned the 2024-25 Union Budget, presented by the Finance Minister, as being out of touch with Manipur’s dire economic situation. Highlighting the state’s low income and high inflation, he expressed concern over the ongoing conflict and the lack of support from the government. He emphasized the urgent need for peace and the development of tourism in the Northeast to improve livelihoods.
“Manipur is suffering from low income, high inflation, and recent devastating floods,” Arthur stated. “Our state’s economic struggles are severe, making us the lowest per capita income state with the highest inflation rates in the country. The budget fails to address the immediate needs of those affected by these disasters.”
Arthur drew attention to the recent unprecedented floods in Manipur, criticizing the budget for not providing sufficient relief and support. He also referenced the region’s history of service and sacrifice, contrasting it with the current neglect of the state’s people.
Arthur called for equal representation and fair budgeting for Manipur, stressing the importance of unity and shared identity over religious labels. He highlighted the need for recognizing diverse identities while advocating for a cohesive national identity that transcends religious affiliations, which he deemed vital for national unity.
Expressing feelings of fear and division within society, Arthur pointed to the troubling trend where personal beliefs threaten the sense of belonging in the nation. He questioned the absence of union ministers since a specific date, underscoring the need for accountability and attention to Manipur’s plight.
Arthur emphasized the ongoing suffering of women and children due to the conflict in Manipur, urging leaders to show empathy and take action. He noted that for the past 15 months, the Naga community has remained neutral, hoping to foster peace. He suggested that the government prioritize peace efforts in Manipur and consider engaging local leaders, including the Naga community, to foster dialogue and understanding.
Arthur also critiqued the current leadership in Manipur, questioning the difficulty of making necessary leadership changes to stabilize the region. He advocated for a more proactive governance approach to address local grievances.
Highlighting the lack of representation for the Northeast in the national tourism budget, Arthur called for specific initiatives to promote tourism in the region. He argued that developing tourism could create job opportunities and contribute to economic stability.
