Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi expressed concerns over the ongoing crisis in Manipur, stating that the people of the state are desperate for answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Gogoi emphasized that the people of Manipur want to know when the Prime Minister will visit the state.
Gogoi sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for focusing on the George Soros issue in Parliament, suggesting that it was a diversionary tactic to shift attention away from the government’s failure to handle the crisis in Manipur.
He contended that instead of addressing the ongoing humanitarian disaster, the government was relying on paramilitary forces and enforcing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
“The entire state is in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. Instead of seeking solutions, the government is sending in paramilitary forces and imposing AFSPA, which does not address the root cause of the violence,” Gogoi said.
He called for Home Minister Amit Shah to make an urgent statement in Parliament to outline the steps the government would take to bring peace to the region.
Gogoi also condemned the worsening lawlessness in Manipur, highlighting the rise in extortion, the destruction of the local economy, and the collapse of basic public services.
“Illegal activities, including arms trafficking, drug trade, and illegal timber business, have escalated. Ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of this lawlessness,” he said.
He further pointed out that the conflict had disrupted education, with schools and colleges closed, leaving thousands of students’ futures at risk.
Healthcare facilities, too, had been damaged or destroyed, adding to the already dire conditions.
“Fear and uncertainty now permeate every corner of Manipur,” Gogoi said.
Gogoi’s remarks triggered a heated response from the ruling benches, particularly after he mentioned George Soros.
In retaliation, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal claimed there were links between the Congress leadership and certain Soros-backed organizations allegedly working to destabilize India.
As tensions rise, the political battle over Manipur’s crisis continues, with calls for the government to step up and take decisive action to restore peace and stability to the region.
