Following Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's apology for the ethnic conflict in the northeastern state, the Congress party questioned why Prime Minister Modi had not visited the state and apologised for the escalating conflict.
However, in response to the Congress' demand, the Manipur CM highlighted the tenure of PV Narasimha Rao and the ethnic conflict of 1992-93 in the state.
In his last press conference on 2024, the BJP leader apologised for the growing ethnic conflict in the state and hoped that the coming year would bring the northeastern state some peace.
"This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what's happening till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologise," said Singh.
In response to this, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said - "Why can't the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4th, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect."
Responding to Ramesh, the Manipur CM took to X and shared a long letter in which he highlighted that Manipur is in "turmoil because of the sins committed by Congress."
"Everyone, including yourself, is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese refugees in Manipur and the signing of the SoO Agreement with Myanmar-based militants in the state, spearheaded by P. Chidambaram during his tenure as the Home Minister of India," said Biren Singh.
The Chief Minister further stated that Congress leaders and former prime ministers did not visit Manipur during previous ethnic clashes.
"The clashes began in 1992 and continued at varying intensities for around five years (1992-1997). This period marked one of the bloodiest ethnic conflicts in northeast India, deeply affecting relations between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur. Did Shri PV Narasimha Rao, who served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996 and was the President of the Indian National Congress during this time, come to Manipur to extend an apology?," said Biren.
"The Kuki-Paite clashes claimed 350 lives in the state. During most of the Kuki-Paite clashes (1997-1998), Shri IK Gujral was the Prime Minister of India. Did he visit Manipur and say sorry to the people?," Singh said further.
Manipur was has been embroiled in violence since May 2023 due to clashes between the Meities community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the tribal Kukis' opposition to this. Since then, nearly 200 people have been killed.
