Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday invoked the “conscience of our nation” as she spoke of the “great human tragedy unfolding in Manipur”, at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the subject has attracted wide criticism.
“For nearly 50 days, we have witnessed a great human tragedy unfolding in Manipur. The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in your state and uprooted thousands has left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation,” the former Congress president said in a statement and a video appeal to the people of the state.
“I express my condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. I am deeply saddened to see people forced to flee the only place they call home and leave behind all that they’ve built over a lifetime.”
Sonia added: “It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters who have coexisted peacefully turn against each other.”
Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh tweeted: “Let us remind ourselves amidst all the news of the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA that today is the 50th consecutive day of Manipur’s pain, distress and agony.
“The Prime Minister who gives ‘gyaan’ (sermons) on so many issues has sadly not said a word on the tragedy that has engulfed the state, has not given an appointment to representatives of political parties who sought time from him, and has given no indication whatsoever that he even cares or is concerned.
“He has totally and completely failed his duty as the Prime Minister of India by choosing to deliberately ignore Manipur in a time of crisis. His behaviour on Manipur is most shocking and beyond comprehension.”
Sonia said: “The history of Manipur stands testament to her ability to embrace people of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, and the myriad possibilities of a diverse society. It takes tremendous trust and goodwill to nurture the spirit of brotherhood, and a single misstep to fan the flames of hate and divisiveness.”
Without repeating the charge levelled by her party and former Manipur chief minister Ibobi Singh about the crisis being a direct outcome of the BJP’s divisive politics, Sonia said: “Today we are ata vital crossroads. Our choice to embark on the path of healing will shape the kind of future that our children will inherit.
“I appeal to the people of Manipur, especially (to) my brave sisters to lead the way in bringing peace and harmony to this beautiful land.”
She added: “As a mother I understand your pain and I appeal to your good conscience to lead the way. It is my sincere hope that over the coming weeks and months, we set out on the long journey of rebuilding trust and emerge stronger from this trial. I have immense hope and faith in the people of Manipur and I know that together we will overcome this ordeal.”
While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have issued several appeals for peace, the party has sent a delegation to assess the situation on the ground. Its spokespersons have held several news conferences over the last 50 days to draw the central government’s attention to the situation.
Even the RSS has taken the unusual step of issuing an appeal for peace.
But the Prime Minister has not spoken a single word on the crisis. He refused to meet a 10-party delegation from Manipur that waited 10 days in Delhi for an audience with him. This despite the widely held view that the state administration has collapsed.
Union home minister Amit Shah visited Manipur 26 days after the violence started and spent three days there. However, his visit seems to have made little difference.
