Uddhav Thackeray urges PM Modi to address Manipur crisis

The ongoing crisis in Manipur witnessed a new chapter of intercession on Saturday, with the Indian Army stepping in and conducting a flag march in the violence-ridden Imphal Valley. This move comes amid an urgent call to stabilise the escalating violence which, according to reports, has already claimed over 100 lives and led to thousands being displaced since the eruption of violent clashes on May 3.
In response to the heightened strain on daily life, the authorities in the Imphal East district took a significant decision to ease the curfew. District Magistrate Khumanthem Diana Devi stated that the curfew under Section 144 CrPC, 1973, originally imposed on May 3, 2023, will be relaxed from 5 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, June 18. This decision aims to enable the local populace to acquire essential items, including food and medicines.
The relaxation covers specific areas, encompassing Hatta crossing to the RDS crossing, the Imphal River stretch from Sanjenthong to Minuthong, and from Minuthong to Hatta crossing. However, even as the populace looks towards these measures for relief, internet services remain suspended in the state, with the shutdown further extended till June 20.
The conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities had reached new heights this week. On Wednesday, violent incidents led to the death of nine people and left over 10 injured. This was followed by an attempt by perpetrators to set ablaze the official residence of Manipur minister Nemcha Kipgen in Imphal West. Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) office in Thongju was vandalised by a mob on Friday.
Stirring the political pot amidst the crisis, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) issued a statement on Sunday, condemning the ongoing violence and urging the government to take immediate action to restore peace. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called on civil society, political groups, and the general public to actively work towards ending the current “chaotic and violent situation”.
In a quick response to the RSS appeal, the Congress party accused the RSS of duplicity. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that the divisive ideology of the RSS was responsible for altering the diversity of Northeast India and asked when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the situation in Manipur.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray criticised PM Modi’s planned visit to the United States, questioning why the Prime Minister would go abroad instead of addressing the crisis in Manipur. He urged the Prime Minister to restore peace in Manipur before engaging in international diplomatic affairs.
Thackeray, scheduled to attend a meeting of non-BJP parties in Patna on June 23, urged all parties to come together to prevent the BJP from gaining further power. He highlighted the ongoing instability in the country under the current majority government and accused the BJP of treading Hitler’s path.
The ever-tightening knot of the Manipur crisis continues to unravel as political unrest intertwines with community conflicts. As the Indian Army steps in to restore order, the nation watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution in the strife-torn state.