'No-Confidence Motion Against Own CM?': Congress Questions Biren Singh's Absence In MHA's Meeting On Manipur Crisis

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the MHA would engage with both the Meitei and Kuki communities to address and bridge the ethnic divide in Manipur.

File Photo Of Congress Leader Pawan Khera

Source : PTI Images

Taking a jibe at the Centre, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday reacted to the absence of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) high-level meeting yesterday on the ethnic violence that broke out in the northeastern state. Khera questioned the confidence by the central government in its own CM. 

"Why he (Manipur CM) wasn't there, is this a kind of no-confidence motion by the central govt against its own CM? You are discussing the Manipur issue without the presence of the CM itself. What are the reasons?" Pawan Khera told ANI. 

#WATCH | On a review meeting by MHA on the Manipur issue, Congress leader Pawan Khera says, "Why he (Manipur CM) wasn't there, is this a kind of no-confidence motion by the central govt against its own CM? You are discussing the Manipur issue without the presence of the CM… pic.twitter.com/MB56N34fFn

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the MHA would engage with both the Meitei and Kuki communities to address and bridge the ethnic divide in Manipur. Shah emphasised the need for strict legal action against those responsible for the violence in the northeastern state. 

During the review of Manipur's security situation, Shah indicated that the deployment of central forces might be increased and should be strategically positioned to restore peace and tranquility. He stressed that no further incidents of violence should occur in the state, which has been plagued by ethnic conflict for over a year. 

Shah also instructed the chief secretary of Manipur to ensure adequate health and education facilities for the displaced population and to focus on their rehabilitation. He reassured that the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was fully committed to the safety and security of all citizens in Manipur. 

Additionally, Shah reviewed the conditions in relief camps, highlighting the need for sufficient food, water, medicines, and other essential amenities. He called for a coordinated approach to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict. 

The central government has been actively supporting the Manipur government in enhancing security in the state, as per an official statement. 

The ethnic violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, following a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meiti community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, over 220 people from Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as security personnel, have lost their loves in the violence.