Two Years On, Manipur Still Bleeds: Congress Slams PM Modi for "Abdication of Duty"

As Manipur marks two years since ethnic violence first erupted on 3 May 2023, Congress has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “shocking inaction” and failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of "failing to broker peace" in violence hit Manipur. “Two years after violence shattered Manipur’s social fabric, normalcy is still out of reach. The Modi government has failed — in brokering peace, imposing President’s Rule on time, and keeping the state united. Hundreds have died, thousands remain in relief camps, and yet the Prime Minister has not visited Manipur. This shocking inaction is an abdication of constitutional duties. Manipur's wounds deepen with each day of neglect," posted the senior Congress leader.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expanded on the grand old party's criticism of the Union government, saying: “Manipur observes two years of violence without the Prime Minister setting foot on its soil. The violence began on 3 May 2023 and still continues. Just two days ago, 25 people were injured in a violent clash in Tamenglong district. More than 260 people have died. 68,000 people displaced and thousands are still living in relief camps.”

He questioned the Prime Minister’s "prolonged absence", noting that since his last election rally in Manipur in January 2022, Mr Modi has made 44 foreign trips and over 250 domestic visits — yet none to the strife-torn state.“Why this apathy and disdain for the people of Manipur? Where is the political accountability?” Kharge asked. He took a swipe at the Centre’s delay in imposing President’s Rule, adding that it only came after mounting pressure and a no-confidence motion from the Congress. “Why did the DOUBLE ENGINE Government fail in its constitutional duty to provide security and safety for its citizens? Why did you not sack the Chief Minister earlier?” he questioned.

Despite the imposition of President’s Rule, violence has not subsided, Kharge noted. “Your DOUBLE ASSAULT Government is still failing Manipur. To hide your rank incompetence, in a hurried manner, at 2 AM midnight, you passed the resolution to adopt President's Rule in Parliament — as if no one would notice your sins.”

He also raised concerns over the economic toll the unrest has taken, alleging losses worth thousands of crores and cuts in vital social spending. “What happened to the Peace Committee announced by the Home Minister? Why didn’t you meet the affected people of all communities, even in Delhi? Why wasn’t a special relief package announced for the state?” he asked. “Modi ji, once again, you failed upholding — Rajdharma,” Kharge concluded.

Timeline of Manipur Violence (2023–2025)

Two Years of Unrest, Death and Displacement:

2023

May:
Ethnic violence erupts on May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis.
Clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities break out across the state.
Curfews imposed; Army and paramilitary forces deployed.
Internet suspended.
Several killed in the clashes.
Thousands displaced; relief camps set up.

June:
Home Minister Amit Shah visits; Peace Committee announced.
Violence continues; concerns over law and order deepen.

August:
Supreme Court appoints a committee to monitor humanitarian issues.

September–December:
Death toll crosses 180; over 60,000 remain displaced.

2024

August:
High Court retracts earlier order on Meitei ST status.

October:
Opposition renews demand for President’s Rule in Parliament.

2025

February:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigns.
President’s Rule imposed in Manipur.

May 3, 2025:
Two years since violence began.
Over 250 dead, 70,000+ displaced, thousands still in camps.
PM Modi yet to visit the state; Congress issues scathing criticism.​