The situation in Manipur has seen a marked improvement due to the timely intervention of the central and state governments, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Talking about the northeastern state, which has been hit by ethnic violence since May last year, he said the government has dedicated its “best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the conflict”.
In an interview with the Assam Tribune, the prime minister was asked about the situation in Manipur and the steps taken by his government to ensure ethnic harmony in the state. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, this has become a burning topic for the opposition to criticise the BJP-led Centre.
Prime Minister Modi said it is a “collective responsibility to deal with the situation sensitively”. “I have already spoken about this in Parliament. We’ve dedicated our best resources and administrative machinery to resolving the conflict. Because of the timely intervention of the Government of India and efforts made by the state government, there has been a marked improvement in the situation of the state,” he told the newspaper.
He said home minister Amit Shah stayed in Manipur while the conflict was at its peak, holding more than 15 meetings with different stakeholders to help resolve the conflict.
“The central government has been consistently extending its support, as required by the state government. The process of relief and rehabilitation is ongoing. Remedial measures undertaken include a financial package for the relief and rehabilitation of people living in shelter camps in the state,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
The hill state has witnessed sporadic, sometimes intense, ethnic clashes since May 3 last year between the majority Meitei community and the Kukis, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives. While Meiteis have concentrated in Imphal city, the Kukis have moved to the hills.
What is the pre-poll situation in Manipur?
According to officials, more than 50,000 people are living in camps following the unrest. Chief electoral officer Pradeep Kumar Jha said at least 24,500 displaced people have been identified as eligible to vote and special polling arrangements have been made in relief camps to enable them to exercise their franchise.
But, 11 months of conflict, displacement and a prevailing anti-poll sentiment in a section will pose a challenge. Many have questioned the timing and say the idea of organising voting in relief camps is nothing but a gimmick as real issues remain unaddressed.
The elections for two Lok Sabha seats will be held in two phases on April 19 and 26. While Inner Manipur and some segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the first phase on April 19, the remaining segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the second phase on April 26.
The state has traditionally seen a high voter turnout with more than 82 per cent polling recorded in the 2019 general elections. But, the ethnic violence has cast a shadow on the polls this time with several civil society groups and the affected people questioning its relevance under the current circumstances. There have also been calls from several quarters about boycotting the polls.
Posters of political parties, mega rallies and visible movement of leaders – the traditional elements of campaigning – are conspicuously missing. The only visible hint of the impending election is the hoardings put up by local election authorities, urging citizens to exercise their franchise. Major party figures have refrained from visiting the conflict-ridden state to canvass for votes or make electoral pledges.
(With PTI inputs)
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