'I Have Visited Northeast 50 Times': PM Modi Responds To Opposition's Attack On Manipur Crisis

In his response to the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended reassurances to the people of Manipur, who are currently grappling with ethnic violence.

He attributed the ongoing situation to the lingering impact of past Congress administrations in both Manipur and the larger Northeast.

In his address, Modi took a critical stance toward the opposition, accusing it of exploiting the Manipur crisis for political advantage.

As opposition Members of Parliament left the session just as he began addressing the situation in Manipur – marked by a series of Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflicts resulting in more than 180 casualties since May 3 – the PM underscored the divisive nature of the opposition's actions.

He said, "The centre is working hard to give the harshest punishment to those involved in crimes in the Manipur violence. I request the people of Manipur - mothers, sisters, daughters - the country is with you. Together, we will face this difficulty and ensure peace returns. I promise the people of Manipur, the state will once again take the development journey."

In his response to the motion, PM Modi underscored the historical context of the region, shedding light on the array of challenges endured during the prolonged rule of the Congress party.

Highlighting Manipur's substantial contributions and sacrifices for the nation, he criticized the Congress for its inability to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the state.

To attack the Opposition, the PM drew from historical incidents, such as the tragic use of air force planes to bombard Indian citizens in Mizoram in 1966 and a contentious statement by former PM Jawaharlal Nehru during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict that seemed to suggest the government was surrendering Assam to advancing Chinese forces.

In his comments on the Northeast, the PM emphasized his frequent visits to the region, stating he has been there "50 times".

This statement was aimed at countering Opposition claims that he hadn't visited Manipur since the riots erupted in the state.

He stated, "Efforts are underway by the Centre and state government to bring the perpetrators in Manipur to justice. I want to assure the people of the country that peace will soon prevail in Manipur."

Further, he criticissed the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments on 'Bharat Mata' during the debate no confidence motion.

"Whatever was said about 'Maa Bharti' in this House has hurt the sentiments of people of the country. Some people talked about the death of 'Maa Bharti', what can be more unfortunate than this," he said.

"How can the Opposition talk about Bharat Mata's murder, when they themselves cut Bharat Mata into three pieces?," he added.