New Delhi: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organised a “candlelight” protest rally at Dighali Pukhuri in Guwahati on Tuesday (November 19), demanding the dismissal of the Manipur government for failing to control the deteriorating situation in the state.
The protest was aimed at addressing the ongoing civil unrest in Manipur and highlighting the lack of response from the Union government, especially the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the issue.
The Congress-led candlelight protest was organised after the recent escalation of violence in Manipur, where over 20 people were killed in November, including several linked to clashes in Jiribam district. This unrest led to heightened tensions, including the burning of houses belonging to Manipur’s MLAs by angry mobs.
The mobs reportedly targeted the homes of multiple ministers and legislators, demanding accountability and justice for the recent killings. Protesters also expressed frustration over the perceived inaction by authorities, prompting the imposition of curfews and suspension of internet services across various districts in the state.
Speaking at the protest, Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia said, “Violence has been going on in Manipur for the last 18 months, but the government has no role in addressing it. Law and order is not in control. Both the BJP’s state government and the central government are failing to manage the situation.”
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“Women and children are being murdered, and communal clashes are spreading. The government has not taken any steps to control or stop these atrocities. That is why we appeal to the president of India to impose president’s rule in Manipur immediately, if necessary, and dismiss the government of Biren Singh,” he added.
Similarly, Congress leader and former MP Abdul Khaleque slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his lack of engagement.
“The prime minister of the country tweets about various issues every single day but when it comes to Manipur he only spoke for 30 seconds in parliament. Apart from that, he has not said a single word. The BJP government in Manipur has completely failed and should be dissolved. Even now, Manipur continues to burn, and the situation remains extremely serious. Yet, the prime minister is roaming outside the country instead of addressing this grave issue,” Khaleque said.
On Monday, the Congress also held a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi, the party demanded the resignation of home minister Amit Shah, citing his failure to stop the ongoing violence in Manipur. The press meet was addressed by Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra, along with senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and the party’s Manipur in-charge Girish Chodankar.