New Delhi: The Congress party has called for immediate fresh elections in Manipur, stating that the law-and-order situation remains deeply unstable even months after the imposition of President’s Rule.
The demand comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions and humanitarian concerns in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Saptagiri Ulaka, the party’s Manipur in-charge and MP from Koraput (Odisha), criticised the central government for its delayed and inadequate response to the crisis.
He said, “It has been two years since the violence began, and what we are witnessing is one of the most severe humanitarian disasters in recent Indian history.”
The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 260 people, injuries to around 1,500, and the displacement of more than 70,000 citizens, according to official records.
Ulaka took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that despite his numerous international visits and domestic engagements, he has remained silent on the Manipur crisis.
“Even though we repeatedly sought a discussion on the issue, the prime minister chose not to address it,” Ulaka said.
“President’s Rule was only implemented after 20 months, and yet the situation on the ground is nowhere near normal.”
He called on the government to dissolve the suspended state assembly and hold elections to establish a democratically elected administration capable of restoring peace.
“Manipur needs a people’s government, not prolonged central control,” he added.
President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation. While the assembly remains under suspended animation, its term extends until 2027.
Ulaka further claimed that the Centre acted only after the Congress party planned a no-confidence motion against the state government. “Before the motion could be tabled, Singh stepped down. This shows the government’s evasiveness,” he said.
Criticising the Centre’s approach as “callous,” Ulaka demanded that PM personally visit Manipur, engage with affected communities, and provide a clear roadmap for peace and rehabilitation, especially for those displaced.
He also questioned the government’s inaction regarding the Ajay Lamba Commission of Inquiry, which was set up to investigate the violence.
“The report has neither been made public nor debated in Parliament. This raises serious concerns about transparency and intent,” he said.
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Echoing Ulaka’s sentiments, Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh accused the BJP of being complicit in the continuing violence.
“The BJP’s so-called double-engine government has completely failed to protect the lives and homes of the people,” he said.
Singh argued that constitutional mechanisms had broken down, and asserted that a Congress-led government in the state could pave the way for lasting peace.
“We appeal to the people of Manipur to choose peace and reject force. The BJP cannot bring peace — it has only prolonged the conflict,” he said.
