Manipur: Kharge Accuses BJP of Stoking Ethnic Tensions Amid Violent Clashes

GUWAHATI: Amid ongoing clashes between security forces and Kuki-Zo groups, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of having "vested interests" in the ethnic conflict in Manipur. His comments came following an attack on Superintendent of Police (SP) M. Prabhakar, who was injured during a mob assault in Kangpokpi district on Friday evening.

The attack occurred after the Kuki-Zo Council called for a shutdown in protest against the deployment of central armed forces in the region. Demonstrators, angered by the presence of BSF and CRPF personnel in Saibol village, targeted the SP's office. Several district police vehicles were vandalized, and the SP was struck on the forehead by a projectile. Authorities have since confirmed that Prabhakar is stable and continues to lead response operations.

Kharge, responding to the latest violence, reiterated his criticism of the BJP’s role in escalating tensions. “We are repeating with utmost responsibility that the BJP has some vested interests to keep the beautiful border state on the boil, with more than 250 innocent deaths and 60,000 being displaced. People are still living in camps for 20 months,” he stated.

Kharge also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the crisis, pointing out that Modi had not visited the state since the violence began in May 2023. “Your last visit to Manipur was for seeking votes for BJP, way back in January 2022. Violence erupted in the state on 3rd May 2023. More than 600 days have passed, and media reports through satellite images have now revealed that villages after villages have been wiped off in the state," Kharge added.

The Congress leader further criticized the central government’s inaction, noting that the INDIA bloc parties had made three requests to the government: to visit Manipur before the end of 2024, to call representatives of all political parties to Delhi, and to get directly involved in the situation. “Even if you do either of the above, you cannot escape the Constitutional culpability of not following the Rajdharma. BJP is the matchstick which burnt Manipur!” Kharge exclaimed.

Kharge also took aim at Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who recently expressed regret over the ongoing violence. “Your incompetent and shameless chief minister has expressed regret but has conveniently brazened out your absence in the state,” he remarked.

In related developments, the Kuki-Zo Council, an apex body representing the Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, imposed an economic blockade in Kuki-Zo dominated districts from Thursday midnight until 2 am on January 4. The blockade was a protest against what the council called the disregard for tribal rights and dignity by both the state government and the Centre. The Council has also been opposing the deployment of central forces, which contributed to the recent clashes in Kangpokpi district.

ALSO READ: Arunachal Pradesh: Naharlagun Police Seize Over 7 kg Drugs, Arrest 91 in Crackdown Under 'Operation Dawn'

ALSO WATCH: