New Delhi, October 21, 2026 : The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP over renewed violence in Manipur, describing the continuing bloodshed as a serious failure of governance and questioning the Centre’s ability to restore peace, protect constitutional rights and ensure national security in the strategically important border state.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge directly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asking how many more innocent lives must be lost before decisive action is taken.
“Manipur is bleeding again because of BJP’s incompetence,” Kharge said in a post on X, condemning the reported killing of four civilians in the latest violence and expressing condolences to their families.
Over 300 Lives Lost Since May 2023
Kharge said that more than 300 people had lost their lives since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023, while thousands of displaced residents continued to face difficult conditions in relief camps. He cited a figure of 24,530 people living in relief camps, highlighting the continuing humanitarian crisis.
He said women, children and vulnerable families were bearing the brunt of the prolonged unrest, with many people still awaiting safety, rehabilitation and a return to normal life.
The Congress leader argued that political changes in the state, including the imposition of President’s Rule and the subsequent change in leadership, had failed to deliver lasting peace.
Kharge Seeks Answers From Modi and Shah
Kharge raised questions about the effectiveness of the Centre’s peace initiatives and demanded accountability for the continuing violence.
He asked what had happened to the Peace Committee constituted by Amit Shah in June 2023 and what concrete measures had been implemented to protect civilians, restore normalcy and address security challenges in the sensitive border state.
He also sought details about action taken on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal.
Kharge questioned why thousands of people remained displaced and referred to the Supreme Court’s concerns regarding 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps. He demanded clarity on the steps taken to ensure the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children and other displaced families.
Congress Questions Centre’s Handling of the Crisis
Criticising Prime Minister Modi’s response to the prolonged conflict, Kharge alleged that the Prime Minister had failed to fulfil assurances made in Parliament and highlighted his absence from Manipur during the initial period following the outbreak of violence.
He said the continuing unrest raised serious questions about the Centre’s handling of law and order and its responsibility to protect citizens in a strategically significant state.
“After more than three years, over 300 deaths, President’s Rule and a change of Chief Minister, who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance?” Kharge asked, demanding to know how many more innocent lives would be lost before the Prime Minister and Home Minister acted decisively.
Ethnic Conflict Continues to Cast a Shadow
The ethnic conflict that began in May 2023 between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities has resulted in hundreds of deaths, displacement and widespread disruption. The account provided also states that 49 people remain missing and thousands have been left homeless. More recently, clashes involving Kuki and Naga communities have also been reported.
Kharge asserted that Manipur deserved justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace, adding that the state’s security and stability should not be compromised by political considerations.
The renewed violence has once again brought the prolonged conflict, the plight of displaced families and questions over the effectiveness of peace and rehabilitation efforts into focus.
