Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday said the unprecedented violence in Manipur, which has devastated the lives of several people, left a "deep wound in the conscience of our nation". In a video message appealing for peace in Manipur, Gandhi urged people of Manipur to rebuild trust and emerge stronger from the ordeal.
"It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters who have coexisted peacefully turn against each other," she said in her message.
"The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur and uprooted thousands has left a deep wound in the conscience of our nation," Gandhi said.
Gandhi said the history of Manipur stands testament to its 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," she said.
Appealing for peace and harmony, the former Congress president said she was saddened to see the people forced to flee the only place they call home.
"Our choice to embark on the path of healing will shape the kind of future that our children will inherit. I have immense hope and faith in the people of Manipur and I know that together we will overcome this ordeal," she further said in the video message.
In her 2.5 minute video message, the former Congress chief said that as a mother, she understood their pain and appealed to the good conscience of people of Manipur to lead the way.
Since the outbreak of the violent ethnic clashes on May 3, over 100 people have lost their lives. More than 2,000 houses have been torched by miscreants, displacing over 35,000 people.
Earlier in the day, Congress alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had "totally and completely failed" in his duty by choosing to deliberately ignore the violence-hit state in the time of crisis.
"The Prime Minister who gives 'gyaan' 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," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote on Twitter.