PM Modi breaks silence on Manipur, says govt making continuous efforts to normalise situation

Video: PM Modi breaks silence on Manipur, says govt making continuous efforts to normalise situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on July 3 that the central government was working to normalise the situation in the northeastern state of Manipur, which has been the scene of ethnic violence since last year.

The Prime Minister was responding to the debate on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ on the occasion of the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha. His remarks on Manipur came a day after his speech in the Lok Sabha was marked by slogans from opposition members urging him to take up the Manipur issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, in New Delhi on July 3, 2024 | Photo Credit: ANI

“The government is making constant efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur. More than 11,000 FIRs have been registered and over 500 people have been arrested. The violent incidents are continuously decreasing in Manipur,” PM Modi said.

He added that the central and state governments are establishing interactions with all stakeholders to restore peace.

“Today, schools, colleges, offices and other institutions are open in the state. The central and state governments are talking with all stakeholders to restore peace,” he said.

Addressing the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi again attacked the Congress party, saying it had imposed President’s rule in Manipur 10 times.

“The Home Minister has been there for several weeks… The Central government is extending all cooperation to Manipur to deal with the current flood situation in the state. Today, two teams of NDRF have reached Manipur. I warn that those who try to add fuel to the fire will be repelled by Manipur,” he said.

He also called on opposition leaders to cooperate with the government to restore peace in the state.

“Leaving politics aside, we must cooperate to restore peace in Manipur,” he said.

The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3 last year, following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes category.