Alfred questions PM's silence on Manipur, seeks answers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 14 2024:
Outer Manipur MP Alfred Kanngam Arthur has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the ongoing crisis in Manipur, while urging for accountability from the nation's leadership.
During a speech in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Arthur highlighted the plight of civilians caught in the violence, lamenting the government's failure to protect lives and property in the state.
Arthur began by questioning why the Prime Minister, a leader trusted by the nation, has remained silent on the situation in Manipur.
"Why is it that till today, he is not answerable to the people of Manipur?" Arthur asked, describing his nation as "weak" for failing to protect the lives and property of civilians in the violence-hit state.
Recalling the historical significance of his village, Shangshak, Arthur narrated its role during the spring of 1944, when the Battle of Shangshak took place amidst the larger backdrop of World War II .
"Hundreds of allied forces as well as Japanese forces lost their lives there," he said, adding that the battle was instrumental in ensuring the Allied forces reached Kohima in time to halt the Japanese advance.
Arthur pointed to the disconnection between the northeastern states and the rest of India during the formative years of the Constitution.
He highlighted how his people were unaware of the discussions in the Constituent Assembly and amendments like Article 371C for Manipur in 1971, which were made to address the unique challenges of these regions.
"Our nation is a plural nation.
That is the belief we have grown up with," he emphasised, urging the government to uphold the principles of plurality.
Arthur did not shy away from criticising the actions of the armed forces in the northeastern states.
He referred to the December 4, 2021, incident in Nagaland, where six civilians returning from coal mines were killed by special forces, followed by the deaths of eight more civilians in the aftermath.
"This country should hang its head in shame," he said, adding that the nomination of a Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland to placate the villagers of Oting was insufficient compensation for the lives lost.
"Did not this nation, this people, this house at least stand up in unison condemning that?" he asked.
Turning to the violence in Manipur, Arthur reminded the House of the events of May 3, 2023, and the suffering that has unfolded over the past 19 months.
He pointed out that as a citizen of India and a representative of Manipur, it was his right to demand justice for his people.
"Children, women across communities have lost their lives.
They cannot be victimised for a cause which this nation or the state cannot handle," he said, questioning the government's inability to protect civilians.
Arthur appealed to the conscience of the House, particularly members of the ruling party, urging them to prioritise humanity over politics.
"This is not a war against either party, be it the treasury or the opposition.
This is a war against humanity in this country," he said.
He criticised the government's focus on economic growth while ignoring the plight of its people.
"You talk only of economy.
But when you have finished off people, what will that economy do when there are no people to live it?" Arthur asked.
In an appeal, Arthur beseeched the leadership of the nation to "stand up, be with your brothers and sisters in Manipur, and bring about justice".
With a plea for accountability and empathy, he called upon the government to act decisively to resolve the crisis.
"I beseech the conscience of this House," he said, ending his speech with a heartfelt appeal for unity and justice.
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