The Congress party launched a scathing attack on Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, asserting that the state's journey towards peace is hindered as long as he holds the position. Demanding action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the opposition party criticized the "collapse" of the so-called "double engine governance" in Manipur, citing a recent media report that highlighted the disturbing case of an abducted, assaulted, and gang-raped 18-year-old woman.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur, accusing the administration of being complicit in the violence and promoting a culture of hatred. He emphasized the urgent need for the Prime Minister to intervene and address the escalating crisis, which has claimed over 160 lives since ethnic violence erupted in the state, as PTI reported.
The situation worsened when an appalling video emerged, depicting two women from conflicting communities being paraded naked by a group of men. The incident added to the heightened tensions in the region, stemming from a "Tribal Solidarity March" held on May 3 in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.