New Delhi: Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said if peace has been restored in Manipur, as is being claimed by the Central government, then why are the people still put up in relief camps, news agency ANI reported. He further said the Opposition leaders would like to accompany PM Modi if he decides to visit the northeast state with an all-party delegation.
Speaking to ANI, Gogoi said, “The Central government is saying that peace has been restored in Manipur, so why are people staying in relief camps? Why are they unable to go back to their homes? We would like to accompany PM Modi if he decides to visit Manipur with an all-party delegation.”
A delegation of 20 MPs from Opposition parties of the INDIA bloc reached Imphal earlier in the day to assess the ground situation in the strife-torn state, days after a viral video intensified the ongoing debate over the law and order.
Meanwhile, in a bid to extend support and solidarity to the crisis-hit people, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey visited a relief camp in Churachandpur, which was the epicentre of ethnic clashes, news agency PTI reported.
Speaking to the media, she said she was trying her best to end the hatred and distrust between the Metei and Kuki communities. She also added she has been seeking the cooperation of the organisations representing the two communities to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state.
"I have come here for the second time to share the grief of my brothers and sisters. It has been nearly three months since these people are away from their homes. A lot of them lost their homes to arson, and many lost most of their belongings. They don't have anything left. I came here to ensure that at least these people do not face any problems at the camp," PTI quoted Uikey as saying.
The Governor also said she has urged the government to provide basic amenities to the people in the relief camps. She also asserted that the leaders muse rise above politics and work towards bringing back normalcy in the state.
She also said she would urge the delegation of Opposition MPs, paying a two-day visit to Manipur, to help contribute to restore peace.
"The way hatred and distrust have grown between the two communities -- Meteis and Kukis, I am putting in efforts to end that. I have met organisations representing the two communities and representatives of different political parties, and sought their cooperation in establishing peace. We should rise above politics and ensure peace and normalcy in Manipur," Uikey said.