Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur, which has witnessed fresh violence, while he is in neighbouring Assam for official events.
In a post on X, Khera took a swipe at the PM, saying Manipur should not be ignored and that Modi’s presence would reassure people in the troubled state. He shared what he said was a booked flight ticket from Guwahati to Imphal and called on Modi to make the short trip.
“Dear PM Narendra Modi, We understand that poll-bound states are always your top priority. But Manipur should not be abandoned. The state has been burning since 2023 - and it is burning again. You are already in Assam today. Manipur is just an hour away. Please go there as well. The presence of the Prime Minister can go a long way in reassuring our people in Manipur. To make it easier for you, we have even booked your flight from Guwahati to Imphal - you just have to get on the plane. As I do not have your number, I am sharing your flight ticket here. Kindly use it and show that the "PM CARES"," Khera wrote on 'X'.
His remarks come amid renewed unrest in parts of Manipur.
On February 6, a protest against the swearing-in of Manipur's new Deputy Chief Ministers, Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, turned violent as security forces clashed with the mob in Churachandpur district. The unrest reportedly began on Thursday at around 6 pm in the Tuibong Main Market area, where hundreds of young protesters attempted to push security forces back to their barracks, reports ANI.
Few days later, on February 10, armed men set fire to several abandoned houses and opened fire in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, in the latest flare-up of violence linked to the alleged assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community. The violence took place in the Litan Sareikhong area, a day after two Tangkhul Naga organizations restricted the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and neighboring Kamjong districts.
In response, the state government suspended internet services in Ukhrul district for five days as a precautionary measure. The order covers broadband, VPN and VSAT services within the district’s revenue jurisdiction, police said.
Residents who fled their homes confronted security personnel, accusing them of failing to stop the firing. A video circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising over the hilly area.
Hundreds of villagers from Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities — mostly women, children and elderly people — have left Litan Sareikhong and nearby Kuki villages over the past two days, officials said. Many have sought shelter in safer locations in Kangpokpi and other parts of Ukhrul district.
State minister Govindas Konthoujam said Monday that at least 21 houses had been burned and described the situation as tense. He said additional security forces had been deployed to restore order.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
