“PM Modi Doesn’t Need Visa To Visit…”: Congress MP Bimol Akoijam Slams BJP Over Manipur Crisis,

In a sharp criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Bimol Akoijam, on Tuesday demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “making the pain of the people of Manipur feel invisible.” His remarks come after the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, following nearly two years of violence that has claimed more than 200 lives and displaced over 70,000 people.

The state budget, which was pending at the time President’s Rule was imposed, was presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Akoijam, in his address, condemned the Union Government for presenting a budget that he claimed had “excluded the people and the pain of Manipur.” He also took aim at Prime Minister Modi, questioning why the leader had not visited the violence-ravaged state in the past 21 months, despite widespread criticism.

“Initially, I was hurt that the Prime Minister didn’t visit. But today, I’m indifferent as to whether he visits or not – it no longer matters. But the rest of the country should know that there is no visa issue preventing the Prime Minister from visiting Manipur. He can travel to Ukraine to talk about peace, but when his own citizens are slaughtered, and over 60,000 people are rendered homeless, such behaviour can never be justified by anyone who swears by true nationalism. This is the kind of conduct only those with a pseudo-nationalist agenda would endorse,” Akoijam remarked, as the opposition benches cheered in agreement.

Akoijam expressed his disappointment that the state budget did not address the urgent needs of the internally displaced people (IDPs), who have borne the brunt of the violence. “We are not asking for intervention from the United Nations, nor are we seeking financial aid from international organisations. We are simply asking for additional resources from the federal government of India,” he said, emphasising the dire situation faced by the displaced population and the economic hardship they have endured over the past several months.

The Congress MP further accused the government of treating Manipur as a secondary concern. Drawing a comparison to other states affected by natural disasters, Akoijam questioned why Manipur was not given similar relief. “You are trying to make us invisible… Our tragedy is being downplayed. And yet, you expect the people of Manipur to feel proud to be Indian, just like any other citizen. People are starting to question the relationship between our state and the Union of India. Some are even recalling the controversial merger agreement. Why? Because the government has allowed this neglect. I’ve seen floods in my own state – even the Raj Bhavan was inundated. Did the national budget reflect any recognition of that? No. Meanwhile, Bihar was allocated 11,500 crore. Is Bihar more Indian than Manipur? Go ask your own Governor how bad the situation was. Even if it was an ambassador’s residence, you would have made investments. But you ignore our state, and then expect us to feel normal?” Akoijam demanded.

The BJP-led government has faced increasing criticism for its handling of the violence that has divided Manipur’s communities. The imposition of President's Rule followed the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Recently, the Union Government decided to lift restrictions on vehicular movement across the state, which had been divided by a buffer zone between the valley and the hills, monitored by heavy security forces. However, the move has faced resistance, with a Kuki community protester losing their life in clashes last Saturday. In response, an indefinite shutdown has been called in the Kuki-dominated regions of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and other areas.