Prime Minister Narendra Modi met one on one with Manipur CM Mr. N. Biren on Sunday. This meet is much awaited after ethnic violence in state since May 2023.
However, the meeting was not organized separately but during the PM’s conclave in New Delhi. Prime Minister had a conclave with CM s of BJP ruled state for 2 days over the weekend. During the event, Manipur Chief Minister Biren also visited. N. Biren talked to Modi over the prevailing situation in the state of Manipur. During their separate meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Amit Shah were present as well.
The meet was quite anonymous and details were not shared with public. One senior official from BJP says that details of conversation may be revealed later. Although the details have not been made public, it is being expected that in their one on one the issue of Manipur violence were discussed.
The 2-day conclave focused on an even bigger agenda which was ‘Viksit Bharat’ or ‘Developed Nation’ agenda. All the CMs from BJP ruled states along with deputy CM s came to discuss this with Prime Minister Modi. The conclave was meant to strengthen the communication and coordination between central and state government. “Sates were instructed to implement schemes and policies effectively as designed by the Modi Government with allocated funds.”- a senior official says. Importance was given to making India a 5 trillion- dollar economy. Union Education Minister was invited for the conclave where New Education Policy was discussed. However, according to reports, no issues were raised regarding ongoing exam controversies.
Opposition slams Modi on issue of Manipur
The meet of PM with Manipur CM comes after immense pressure and allegations put up by Rahul Ghandhi and his party. Recently, Modi has planned a visit to Ukraine to meet PM Zelensky on their National Day.
Congress on this announcement has slammed government asking whether the meet with Manipur CM would be before or after the Ukraine visit. Congress general secretary had earlier posted the comment on twitter criticizing Modi on the delay to communicate with Manipur.
The PM’s visit to Ukraine may be followed by Poland which will set a new record of visiting by Indian Prime Minister in 45 years.
Regarding the Manipur issue, both the ruling and opposition have been experiences clashes over the last year. CM N. Biren had attended the NITI Ayog meeting held under PM Narendra Modi. Congress is now asking questions on behalf of Manipur citizens if Cm also met with PM before the NITI Ayog and CM conclave.
Background of Manipur Ethnic Violence
The violence started in May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki, the two ethnic groups in Manipur who constitute 16 percent of population. The peace was disrupted when government granted Scheduled Tribe status to Meitei community which already has been granted to Kuki.
The two communities have already been fighting for issues related to resources, jobs and education and this new scheme would mean a reservation for Meitei tribe.
Till now, hundreds have lost their lives, many injured and thousands who have been displaced due to the conflict. The Meitei tribe is largely Hindu while the other predominantly Christen.
According to PTI, police stations have been looted to obtain guns and other weapons for the violence. Places of worship have been destroyed by the groups to express the dissatisfaction.
According to reports, several women have been raped by Meitei community which is horrendous. The Kuki-Zo community have called for a separate state for them which has been denied. It has been more than the year since the clashes have begun and the government is constantly trying to maintain peace in the affected area.
